A NEW path ensuring panoramic views for all from the Malvern Hills was being opened this morning, four months after it was actually completed.

The Easier Access Path, which slopes gently to the summit of Blackhill from Jubilee Drive, was completed in May but foot and mouth delayed its official opening.

Plans to create the path began in 1998, when the Malvern Hills Conservators set up a disabled access working party to work with the disabled and investigate the potential for a suitable route.

At today's opening ceremony, guests were due to hear a short speech by Richard Graves, chairman of the Conservators, before the path was officially opened by Simon Barnes, head of fundraising and communications for the Guildford-based charity Spinal Research.

A former pupil at The Chase, he began fundraising for Spinal Research after becoming paralysed during a fall in 1984 at the age of 21. After the opening, Simon was due to join the party in testing the path, with refreshments provided at the summit.

Funding for the scheme came via an appeal launched in June. Grants from the Richard Cadbury Charitable Trust, E F Bulmer Benevolent fund, CLA Charitable Trust and the Mercia Environmental Fund helped raise £10,000, with £8,000 coming from the Conservators' general fund.

David Hawkins, chairman of the Easier Access Group, said: "Disabled people were restricted where they could go and this provides a path to the top so that they can get the full benefit of the hills.

"It's not absolutely flat, there is a slight incline, but wheelchair users should find it easier. We've improved the gradient as best we could and we improved access to the toilets.

"We visited other places where they provides paths and felt the obligation to do something. We hope this isn't the end of it."