Opening the new Hoodbrook Bridge: from left, national park chair Narendra Bajaria, Mrs Muriel Prigent, Councillor Jane Marsden, Mike Rhodes, craftsman Robin Wood, Ellie Dunn and Andy Bentham, both of the countryside maintenance team.

An award-winning craftsman has created a second footbridge for walkers in the Peak District.

Edale-based Robin Wood hand crafted Hoodbrook Bridge near the North Lees Estate, a favourite with walkers and climbers using the nearby Stanage Edge. The bridge uses wood from two local oak trees which grew nearby and was made on site, to keep the carbon footprint as low as possible.

The bridge was opened by the Peak District National Park Authority chairman Narendra Bajaria in a ceremony attended by Mr Wood and 87-year-old Muriel Prigent, whose family used to farm the area.

Mrs Prigent said: “I used to play here as a child, and my children and grandchildren played here. I love this spot, and the bridge sets it off beautifully.”

Mr Bajaria said: “It’s a great honour for me to open this bridge, which is an excellent example of sustainable development in the national park. It uses timber that was growing near the site, it showcases Robin’s superb local craftsmanship, and it’s a great example of partnership between the national park authority, Derbyshire County Council, the parish council and the community.

“I’m delighted that Mrs Prigent, who represents the great heritage of the national park, could join us to mark this occasion.”

The county council paid for the bridge.

Mr Wood’s Golden Clough Bridge at Grindsbrook, Edale, won a Peak District and South Yorkshire Countryside Design Award, which will be presented next month.

He said: “It’s been a lovely place to work.

“I am inspired by traditional woodworking methods. The bridge uses jointing techniques used in wooden boat-building while the curved main beam is similar to those used in local barn roofs.

“I want to create something of local distinctiveness and character. It costs a little more but will last for generations and be crossed by millions of people.”

Oak needs no harmful chemical preservatives because of its high tannin content.

Mr Bajaria also praised national park rights-of-way manager Mike Rhodes, who commissioned the project, the Countryside Maintenance Team who helped construction, and North Lees estate warden Bill Gordon.