WALKERS of all ages and sizes are being invited to put their best feet forward and take part in a special festival in Vale Royal.

Opening on Saturday, September 6, the eight-day 2003 Festival of Walking in Vale Royal offers a variety of walks, rambles and strolls to suit all types.

From a one-day hike for seasoned trekkers along the Sandstone Trail, to pram and pushchair strolls around Marbury Country Park and Delamere Forest, the festival is open to all.

Also included in the programme of events is Frodsham Hill and Whitegate Way and there are also some lesser-known areas to explore, including Allostock and Antrobus.

New for the 2003 festival are walks around Abbots Moss and Hatchmere nature reserves, led by Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

County council chairman Nora Dolphin, who is a member of Knutsford and Vale Royal Ramblers, said: "Most of the walks are taken at a leisurely pace with plenty of time to stop and admire the scenery and learn about the wildlife, industrial heritage or other features along the way.

"It is also a great way to meet people and find out about some of the organisations who arrange walks throughout the year."

She added: "You certainly don't have to stop enjoying life in the open air once the Walking Festival is over."

Enthusiasts from 15 local groups and organisations will be leading the walks programme, which ends on September 14.

For more details phone 0151 327 2084 or e-mail countryside@cheshire.gov.uk.

Alternatively, log on to www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside.

jsawyer@guardiangrp.co.uk