Two volunteers have been honoured for their combined 40 years of service to a Northumberland rights of way body.

Ted Liddle and Sue Rogers have dedicated their time to the Joint Local Access Forum, which focuses on improving public rights of way in the county.

The pair were given their long service awards by Dr Caroline Pryer, the Lord-Lieutenant for Northumberland, who said: "They have both worked tirelessly for many years as volunteers to deliver countryside access services to the people of Northumberland and they are most deserved of these very special awards."

Mr Liddle has been a community volunteer since 2003, playing a key role in creating several cycle routes, including the Lakeside Way at Kielder Water and Forest Park, the Sandstone Way, and the Reivers Cycle Route.

He has compiled over 3,200km of mapped and signed cycle routes across the north of England.

He said: "I was hugely surprised and very delighted to receive this special award today; it has made me very proud.

"It is always good to be able to give something back to the community, particularly within an area of work that I am so passionate about."

Ms Rogers joined the forum in 2005 and has made significant contributions towards improving access, particularly for horse-riding opportunities and facilities.

She was instrumental in creating the Pennine Bridleway and the Lakeside Way at Kielder Water and Forest Park.

Another of her successes was her work on the development of the Cheviot Challenge Riding Routes project in the north of the National Park.

Ms Rogers said: "I thoroughly enjoy being involved in access issues, listening to members of the public and helping to improve public rights of way in the county.

"To achieve an award and be recognised for this contribution is a great honor and I feel very privileged to be awarded the certificate by the Lord-Lieutenant."

Alex MacLennan, recreation and public affairs manager for Forestry England and Northumberland JLAF Chair, said: "Ted and Sue, without doubt, demonstrate above and beyond a selfless contribution to countryside access improvements across the north of England, supporting many projects and especially the county of Northumberland."