A volunteer force of ramblers is to be the “eyes and ears” of Surrey County Council to help keep 2,000 miles of public paths in good condition.

The Surrey branch of the Ramblers has teamed up with the council to patrol the countryside to make sure paths are kept clear.

The volunteers will undertake work such as clearing the overgrowth and fixing signs.

The link-up follows a similar initiative between the Council and ramblers to give the 100-mile long Greensand Way a new lease of life following a decade of neglect.

As a result, walkers can now climb to the combined height of Ben Nevis and Snowdon without leaving Surrey.

“These are major steps forward in deploying our members to help the county council to monitor and improve Surrey’s fine network of footpaths and bridleways,” said Ramblers secretary Brian Reader.

Ian Lake, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Transport and Environment, said: “It’s fantastic news that the Ramblers are giving up their free time so we can all enjoy Surrey’s stunning countryside.

“They will act as our eyes and ears in the countryside, walking paths regularly to keep them in good order and alerting us to where extra work is needed.

“Surrey is blessed by having so many people prepared to work tirelessly for good causes like the Ramblers have done in communities for decades.

“I pay tribute to everyone who contributes to this volunteer effort and we should do everything possible to support and encourage it.”

The Ramblers are also checking a random sample of Surrey’s public rights of way, to monitor whether the paths are easy to use, on the Council’s behalf twice a year.

This year volunteers have reported back on a total of 485 sections of path amounting to 100 miles.

The first trial group of 20 Ramblers members are due to start the volunteer warden path scheme by the end of January.

• The council also wants to hear from other individuals, such as horse riders, and organisations who want to get involved. Email steve.mitchell@surreycc.gov.uk. Support and training for volunteers who sign up is provided.