Funding of about £1m is being sought to repair damaged stretches of the Ridgeway national trail.

The move is one of a package of measures drawn up by the Ridgeway Management Group to tackle surface problems on the 85-mile ancient route, which runs from Overton Hill, near Avebury, to Ivinghoe Beacon, in Buckinghamshire, passing close to Wantage, Didcot and Wallingford.

Following a survey last year, which found 51 per cent of the trail failed to meet surface quality standards, a study was carried out to come up with ways to deal with the problem.

As a result of the study, which included widespread public consultation, work has started on a three-year plan of action -- with the need to secure funding one of the top priorities.

It is hoped that the Countryside Agency will make a major contribution, although the management group is waiting to hear how much of the work it can finance.

For more information, call the National Trails Office on 01865 810224.