Black Notley is back on the map - with the publication of a new parish map.

The map, part of a five-year initiative by Black Notley parish council to improve its footpath network, was designed by Bruce Long and Chris Fell to reflect the history and character of the village at the end of the century.

The map was launched on Saturday at Braintree District Museum where it is now on show.

Plans are now being made for a permanent home for the map, with the proposed Church Meeting Room being suggested as favourite

Around 150 copies have been produced for sale, while smaller editions were delivered to every home in the parish.

Parish council chairman, Peter Turner, this week praised the "generous financial support" of Essex County Council and the co-operation of local landowners which has resulted in the upgrading of all the parishes footpaths.

New stiles, gates and signs are now in place, and new bridges have been built over ditches.

Mr Turner said: "Parish councillor and local farmer, John Cousins, and an enthusiastic working group of volunteers have done much of the practical work. The parish now boasts one of the best maintained networks of paths in the county.''

Putting Black Notley on the map - Ruth Mayes, chairman of Braintree District Council, front, with, left to right: Janet Turner, of Braintree District Museum, parish councillor John Cousins, map designer Bruce Long and parish council chairman, Peter Turner.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.