Development work is underway at County Tyrone's Knockmany Forest.

The forest, just outside Augher, is undergoing works to become a new outdoor facility hub. Improved recreational trim trails, site access, signage and paths will be delivered.

Visitor facilities will also be upgraded in a new building with meeting spaces, kitchen and toilets.

It is being developed with funding of £265,000 from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs; Sport NI and Mid Ulster District Council.

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Sean McPeake said: "The importance of forests and green spaces in providing 'on their doorstep' outdoor recreational opportunities for the local community, and consequently the direct benefits that this brings in terms of improvements in health and well-being, social capital and the protection of our natural resources, cannot be underestimated.

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"Once complete, these capital works delivered through a genuine community led partnership approach will increase provision for sports and outdoor recreation. They will act as a platform to create social, recreational, tourism and economic benefits for the Mid Ulster area. Eskra Community Association are to be commended for the many voluntary hours they have spent to bring this ambitious project to fruition."

Forest Service Chief Executive, John Joe O'Boyle added: "I am delighted that the work is now underway to develop excellent new facilities here at Knockmany forest. This is a great example of how partners working together can progress projects of this nature to deliver a living, working, active landscape that can be valued by all and particularly local communities. We have every confidence that our partnership with Mid Ulster District Council underpins what can be created at this wonderful forest asset here at Knockmany."

The project is expected to be completed by early summer 2019.

(CM/MH)