Dedicated volunteers will spend a week renovating a popular York path, as work on a national charity’s flagship project stays true to its routes.

Sustainable transport charity Sustrans created the first segments of the National Cycle Network with bands of volunteers, including the York to Selby line from 1985 to 1987.

A group of nine work camp veterans have now decided to repair the York Riverside route, which runs from the city centre to Skelton. Sustrans’ Construction Manager Dave Jackson, who also volunteered on the early projects in Yorkshire, will oversee the project.

The crushed stone surface of the riverside path has been badly damaged by flooding. Volunteers will operate mini-diggers and mini-dumpers to lay the foundations for a new flood-proof and waterproof surface.

Volunteer Ranger Co-ordinator Dave Stevens said: “Some of these volunteers have been giving up their free time for well over a decade to help create the National Cycle Network – their dedication is remarkable.

“They must get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing how the Network has developed, and from the knowledge that their work is helping local people get about on foot and by bike.

“Environmental issues may have moved into the political mainstream since the 1980s but Sustrans has always been a charity that delivers practical, meaningful change on the ground. Our volunteers have been, and continue to be, at the forefront of that process.”

The York Riverside path has proved to be especially popular with day-trippers as it leads from the historic centre of York to the nearby National Trust property of Beningbrough Hall.

Two sections – one 600m long and the other 100m – will be repaired and resurfaced by the volunteers from August 17 to 25. The path will remain open to the public throughout.

If you would like to find out more, visit www.sustrans.org.uk.