WORK has started on Cumbrian leisure firm Treetop Trek's new site in Manchester.

The firm, which is based in Ecclerigg, near Windermere, is building a seven acre adventure park in the Heaton Park area of the city.

It is due to open in June and will feature trampolines, an adventure course, zip wire canopy tour and the longest continuous belay ropes course in the UK.

The firm expects 40 new jobs to be created, with recruitment underway.

Mike Turner, the company's managing director, said: “It’s a fantastic feeling to finally be underway with our work on the Heaton Park site and it means we’re now a big step closer to bringing Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets to Manchester.”

Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Carl Austin-Behan, said: “This is the start of a fantastic project here at Heaton Park. Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets are fun and healthy activities and I believe that once the development has been completed, the local area will feel the benefits both socially and economically.”

Councilllor Luthfur Rahman, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “This is the start of a fantastic project here at Heaton Park expanding one of the country’s favourite destinations up into the trees themselves.

“Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets are fun and healthy activities and I believe that once the development has been completed, the attraction will be a huge hit with the local community and visitors alike.”

Treetop Trek was set up in 2012 and has an adventure park at its site in Ecclerigg. It also operates Treetop Nets in Ripon, North Yorkshire, which opened in May 2016.