FANS of the countryside have been given a boost in the form of a £60,000 donation from Gatwick Airport.

A once muddy and uneven patch of land at a popular beauty spot has been transformed thanks to the cash.

A new path has been created at Swanbourne Lake, near Arundel, which will allow nature lovers to enjoy the National Park from a whole new viewpoint.

The makeover involved resurfacing rough tracks and means the beauty spot can now be accessed by people with limited mobility, wheelchair users, families with pushchairs and less agile walkers.

Members of the Disabled Ramblers were all smiles as they tried out the new path.

Val Rawlings, from the group, said: “It was a real treat for us to be able to see the sparkling water through the trees and we’re very grateful to all for the work that has been done.”

Melanie Wrightson, Gatwick Airport community engagement manager, said: “Gatwick is delighted that Swanbourne Lake will now be accessible to all people.

“It is another milestone in the initiative ‘Miles Without Stiles’ and stems from our belief that no one should be excluded from enjoying the beauty of South Downs National Park.”