A NEW archway, which is intended to raise the profile of a nature reserve, has been unveiled this week.

Dignitaries turned out to mark the opening of the archway, which was built to celebrate Risley Moss nature reserve's silver anniversary, on Friday.

Ranger Charlotte Harris said: "It is fantastic and raises the profile of the entrance to the reserve. Hopefully, now even more people will come into the reserve as a result of our new entrance."

The reserve was officially opened 25 years ago on September 23, 1980, by TV star Professor David Bellamy OBE, who has since maintained an interest in the environmental asset.

To commemorate the day, an archway was commissioned and paid for by the Risley Moss Action Group with financial support from the borough council's arts grant fund.