Aberystwyth University students have been building bridges at a popular riverside walk in the town.

The students of the countryside management course have been constructing two new bridges to replace the old structures at Parc-y-llyn, near Morrisons.

Timber for the bridges, some of which was grown and milled on the university farm, was turned into kit form at the college workshop before being assembled on site to span two culverts alongside the river Rheidol.

Students gained experience in the entire bridge-building process, from site assessment to the finished project, through the Practical Estates Skills Project.

Also included in the project was the construction of a kissing gate at Penglais woods using timber clefted from a chestnut tree at the local nature reserve, and the repair of some of the steps there.

This is the last year in which the Practical Estate Skills Project will be undertaken, and brings to an end a 20-year long partnership between the university and the county council’s coast and countryside section.

Over the years, students have been given the opportunity to contribute to improving the footpaths, bridleways and public access in the various communities over that time.

Public rights of way officer Eifion Jones said: “The two new footbridges are a credit to the students, and will serve the community of Aberystwyth and the surrounding area for many years to come.”

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now