BROADCASTER and South Hams resident Jonathan Dimbleby has marked a milestone in the history of the South West Coast Path by officially opening a new stretch between Strete and Strete Gate.

The opening follows years of campaigning by local residents and groups to take the route off the busy A379.

The project – which opened up a route to the pubic with some of the finest views of coastline – was made possible thanks to funding from Natural England and Devon County Council, along with a contribution from Strete Parish Council and the collaboration of landowners and the South West Coast Path Association,

Mr Dimbleby, who lives in Moreleigh and is a keen supporter of campaigns to protect public access to beautiful places, said: 'I was very pleased to accept the invitation from the South West Coast Path Association to open this new and important section of the coast path.

'As a local resident, I enjoy regular walks on the south Devon coastline which has everything, from sandy beaches and secluded coves to rockpools and dramatic cliffs.

'Walking the South West Coast Path is the best way to experience this natural beauty and it's vitally important that this access is maintained.

'This new section at Strete represents the fantastic work of the South West Coast Path National Trail Partnership to secure the best possible route as part of its 630-mile National Trail.'

The opening event, organised by the South West Coast Path Association to thank the core funders of the project, was also a celebration as the charity unveiled its new website and a new fundraising event, the South West Coast Path Challenge taking place throughout October.

Strete has long been considered the most hazardous road sections on the entire 630-mile route, and there are no comparable road sections remaining.

Ken Carter, vice chairman of the South West Coast Path Association, said: 'The problem of fixing the gap at Strete to make a route safe for walkers, which didn't impact on the privacy of the houses whose grounds it would run across was complex. It is of great credit to all partners involved in the project that a solution has been found and the work to re-route the coast path is complete.'

Tess Jackson, senior adviser for National Trails on behalf of Natural England said: 'This new section is a great partnership achievement, substantial efforts by everyone involved, particularly Devon County Council and the South West Coast Path Association.'

Cllr John Hart, leader of Devon County Council, said: 'Thanks go to everyone involved in helping to deliver this project.

'It has only been made possible by working closely with the local community, landowners and the South West Coast Path National Trail Partnership. It is a project that has taken a great deal of patience for more than three decades and it is fantastic that this collective effort has paid off.'

Monica Read, South West Water's business services and sustainability director, who is the lead business sponsor of the association's work, said: 'This is an exciting time for the coast path and we look forward to helping to promote this jewel in the region's tourism crown and the good work done by the association.'