The preferred route takes the bypass north of Dobwalls

The government has announced the preferred route for a long-awaited bypass in Cornwall.

Campaigners have been battling for the new road at Dobwalls on the A38 near Liskeard.

The route will run north of the village, removing a major summer bottleneck and reducing the volume of traffic through the village.

It is also hoped the new road will help reduce accidents on the main route between Plymouth and Cornwall.

More detailed plans are due to be unveiled next year.

Transport Minister John Spellar said: "The new bypass will remove about 90% of traffic from Dobwalls village.

John Spellar hopes the route will ease congestion

"It will also help to improve the quality of life for local residents."

He said the decision was made after consulting interested parties and people who live and work in the area.

The route will involve building a new 2.5-mile (4km) dual carriageway road to the north of Dobwalls, connecting the A38 Liskeard bypass with the A38 just west of Dobwalls.

Concern was expressed at public consultation about the alignment of the route at the western end and the visual impact of the new bridge over the London-Penzance railway line.

Mr Spellar said those points would be addressed by the Highways Agency during the next stage of the scheme's development.