A "tremendous transformation" is under way at Wick's well-used pair of riverside footbridges, thanks to the work of a team of volunteers at the weekend.

Reasonably good weather meant that essential repair work on the smaller Coghill bridge was completed.

Volunteers from the Wick Paths Group replaced the rotten timbers then installed a non-slip walkway and gave a fresh coat of black paint to the railings. They were also able to make a start on painting the railing mesh on the main Coghill footbridge and replace 25 to 30 yards of timbers.

Paths group secretary John Bogle said: "We are delighted with how it has gone – it's a tremendous transformation. The smaller bridge is looking very good – we have had a lot of positive comments from walkers coming past."

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Work on the bridges had been set to take place over two weekends this month, with the popular river crossings closed next on August 15-16, from 8am to 7pm, to allow the repairs to continue.

However, Mr Bogle explained that a third weekend may be required, particularly with the painting of the railing mesh which was proving to be a time-consuming job.

At the weekend the project was a real community event with the Norseman Hotel supplying soup and sandwiches to the volunteers and the Wick Caravan and Camping Site, which was able to reopen recently, providing cold drinks, sausage rolls and crisps. Volunteers were given the use of the car park at G&A Barnie for parking.

There had been some concern about the new non-slip surface and how dog-friendly it would be. However, Mr Bogle pointed out that the group had checked to see if there had been any problems at the town's harbour, where the same surface is used on the pontoons.

"It is absolutely fine," he said.

Numerous expressions of thanks have been received on the group's Facebook page following the work carried out at the weekend.

The present wooden surface at the Coghill bridges has proved treacherous in wet or wintry conditions and the long-awaited repairs have been welcomed by members of the town's community council.

Highland Council funding of £5000 for materials was received by the Wick Paths Group before lockdown. However, everything had to be put on hold until this month.

A joint litter-pick is also being organised along with the Wick Riverside Volunteers on Saturday, August 15, starting at 10am, with everyone welcome to join in.

• Wick riverside footbridges to receive long overdue facelift

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