An eye-catching new barrier has been installed on a historic footpath in time for Remembrance Sunday.

Stoney Bank footpath, which links Yarm Road, near Yarm Bridge, to Egglescliffe Village, now features the ornate barrier, complete with poppies and its name.

It has been installed thanks to Egglescliffe Area Residents Association (EARA), working with Eaglescliffe East Councillor Stefan Houghton.

Poppies are a significant part of the design in reference to Egglescliffe War Memorial, at the top of Stoney Bank. The barrier was created by Guardian Gates, based in nearby Crathorne.

Shane Sellers, chairman of EARA, said: “Over the years, EARA has organised events and fundraisers to aid the community. For example, we have raised funds to buy things such as a defibrillator, donated money to buy sensory lights for children with ADHD and have, for many years paid for flowers and bulbs at Egglescliffe War Memorial and Egglescliffe Parish Hall.

"We’ve worked with Stefan on projects before and were pleased to again. Stoney Bank is a popular footpath, so it was desirable to make improvements."

Cllr Houghton added: “I’m delighted with how this scheme has worked out. What started as an idea mentioned during a regular EARA meeting turned into a considerate design. Thanks to Bill from Guardian Gates, ideas became a reality. I’m also grateful for the financial support received from a local business which helped to make this happen.

"What has been achieved is undeniably an improvement from the bland barrier that was there before. Recognising heritage should be encouraged, so for anyone using this ancient footpath who didn’t know its name will now.”

Bill Mayhew, from Guardian Gates, said although his business mainly manufactures gates, he was delighted to be asked to help with the Stoney Bank project.

"I know Stoney Banks is one of the few ways to walk into Egglescliffe, so I appreciate why the project aimed to draw recognition to the footpath,s name while adding more interest," he said. "I’m pleased to have managed to build and install the barrier in time for Remembrance Sunday.”

The book "Egglescliffe – The Place and its People" by Ian Reynolds explains that more than a hundred years ago, local landowner and businessman John Smith created the footpath as a link between what was Yarm Station and Manor Farm in Egglescliffe Village. Although the surface is now tarmac, the name Stoney Bank endured and it is enjoyed by many residents and visitors as a scenic route into and out of Egglescliffe.