A Bradford group which lost out in a TV battle for lottery cash is to get a helping hand from its Sheffield rival.

Last November, the Friends of Judy Woods went head-to-head with Heeley City Farm in Sheffield to win £50,000 from the National Lottery's People's Millions funding. Even though the Bradford group lost out, the Sheffield farm was soon in contact to see whether there was any way that they could work together.

Sal Bullimore, community and environment programme manager for Royds Community Association which helps with the maintenance of Judy Woods, said Heeley City Farm got in touch to see whether some of their students could visit the woods to carry out some of the repair work that would have been done if Bradford had won the money.

At the end of this month, ten students from Sheffield Environmental and Horticultural Training (SEHT), the training arm of Heeley City Farm, will start repairing the path and drains over Judy Bridge.

"The drains have been blocked up and the water has been overflowing and causing some damage to the paths. The students will work to reinstate the drain and restore this area to its former glory," said Miss Bulimore.

The students, who are working to complete their NVQ level two in Environmental Conservation, are expected to spend three days carrying out the work.

"The improvements to the drainage and path will be of great benefit to the woods and its users - people and wildlife alike. It is great that SEHT contacted the Friends of Judy Woods about this partnership project and we hope there will be a long-term partnership formed from their People's Millions experience."

Royds Community Association, the Friends of Judy Woods, SEHT and Bradford Council's Parks and Landscape Service, which manages the woods, are currently working to see how they can carry out the rest of the improvements for the wood, such as improving the signage.

The People's Millions project was part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of ITV.

For more information about the Friends of Judy Woods, go to www.judywoods.org.uk or email info@judywoods.org.uk or telephone Royds Community Association on (01274) 355600.

The Friends of Judy Woods have previously worked in partnership with a team of Bradford University archaeologists to discover the history of the woods.