Plans to build an £885,000 ramblers' bridge over the Thames in south Oxfordshire have gained support at a series of public exhibitions.

As part of the Thames National Trail, the Keen Edge Footbridge will span the river north of Shillingford near the site of a ferry that stopped making crossings in 1952.

The Keen Edge Footbridge Development Trust has displayed designs for the bridge in surrounding towns and villages, the latest exhibition being held at Brightwell-cum-Sotwell village hall.

Brian Hooker, secretary of the trust is pictured with Griselda Davies and her son Alexander.

Trust chairman David Moren-Brown said the bridge would improve safety for walkers who now have to cross the A4074 twice.

He added: "The reception has been brilliant. We have indications from many parish councils that they will help in any way they can."

The project has been backed by South Oxfordshire District Council, the Environment Agency and the National Lottery.

Over the years, a large quantity of aggregates has been removed from the area to the north of Shillingford, round Dorchester-on-Thames.

It is hoped that £600,000 will be forthcoming from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, which channels a levy on stone extraction to local environmental and community schemes.

Construction of the bridge is set to start in the summer ready for completion in the autumn of 2003.