Villagers who have campaigned for 70 years for a bypass around a Cambridgeshire village are finally able to see the plans for the road.

The �15m Highways Agency scheme revealed this week includes three miles of dual carriageway to the north of Thorney on the A47.

The bypass will wind around adjacent farmland and will include a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.

Residents have petitioned the agency and held rallies over the years through the "Bypass Thorney" campaign in an attempt to have the trunk road routed around the village.

We are exceedingly hopeful. We're looking for a start next year

Hugh Cave, Bypass Thorney committee chairman

Campaign committee chairman Hugh Cave is pleased that progress is being made but added that the cost of the project back in the 1930s would have been just �150,000.

The original plans were then set aside during World War II.

"I think we've justified the need for a bypass," Mr Cave said.

"It's just going through all the statutory motions, to satisfy everybody that has taken a long time."

Work will not proceed until after the public have been given their chance to comment on the plans.

The bypass plans can be seen at Peterborough City Council and the library in Thorney.