The first phase of the £40m Helix plan, which aims to transfom a 300-hectare site between Grangemouth and Falkirk with sculptures and a waterway, has begun.

The project, funded mainly by the Big Lottery Fund with contributions from Falkirk Council and British Waterways Scotland, is expected to take three years.

Two 100ft (30.5m) horse head sculptures and a waterway linking Grangemouth into the Scottish canal network will be created.

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Around 750,000 new trees will be planted and 21 miles (34km) of paths and cycle tracks created.

Land Engineering has started upgrading footpaths in the woods at Abbotshaugh, near Bainsford and Langlees, it is estimated this will be completed in eight weeks.

Helix project manager Mike King said: "Our paths improvement programme is the culmination of months of hard work by the local path users group, the communities bordering the Abbotshaugh woodland and our design consultant. It's very satisfying to watch work in the northern Helix area finally get under way."

The major construction work is due to begin in the summer.

(GK)