WHEELCHAIR-users will soon be given the chance to enjoy fantastic views following the opening of a new path on the Malvern Hills.

The easy access path runs at gentle gradient to the secluded Earnslaw Quarry, which is approximately 1,181ft up the 1,394ft summit.

The path, which will open on Monday, will also be suitable for young children in pushchairs as well as those who find the hills too difficult to climb.

More than £200,000 was spent on its construction. It is situated off the Wyche Road on the eastern slopes of the hills.

Sir William Lawrence, chairman of Visit Heart of England, who is a wheelchair-user, will open the path on Monday.

He described the Hills as an area of outstanding beauty that can now be enjoyed and appreciated by all.

"The landscape that inspired Elgar's music is now available to a new audience that otherwise would be unable to experience the uniqueness of the hills.

"As a wheelchair-user myself, I'd never have imagined that I would be able to go up the Malvern Hills. I'm sure that this new path will be a great success."

Ian Rowat, director of the Malvern Hills Conservators, said the unique facility would be open to everyone.

"As well as the marvellous views east across the Severn Valley and Malvern Wells this gravelled path travels through wooded glades and the shrubbery of a former Victorian manor house and opens into a grassy area where visitors can relax and enjoy the landscape."

Sir William will be joined by Alan Edwards, of the Disabled Ramblers Association, other wheelchair-users, civic leaders and members of the public at the official opening, which takes place at 10.30am.