ABERGAVENNY has just been announced as the 100th town to receive the national Walkers are Welcome award.

This accolade is given out to destinations in the UK that not only have something special to offer walkers, but that also strive to improve what they offer.

"We are delighted to gain this well-deserved accolade for our town," said Ruth Coulthard, who chairs the Abergavenny Walkers are Welcome Group.

"This is one of the best destinations for walking both in terms of places to walk and also the welcome people receive. The most challenging aspect of writing the application was to try and describe what makes Abergavenny special for walkers in just one paragraph.

"We hope this initiative will help not only give the town the recognition it deserves, but help improve what is on offer and help develop the local economy."

Nigel Bottling, chairman of the National Committee, said "Abergavenny has just become the 100th member of our network after submitting a first class application, which clearly demonstrated not only how much the town offers to welcoming walkers, but the enthusiasm of those involved in wanting to improve what's on offer."

Local residents representing a range of organisations and interests came together last year to try and win this award for Abergavenny.

They formed an active working group to develop a range of ideas to promote the town as a top walking destination and to improve what's available for walkers, for the benefit of fellow residents as well as visitors.

Ruth added: "We recognised Abergavenny already had a lot to attract walkers, including a large network of footpaths and areas to walk in, a range of publications and many high quality shops and businesses that cater for them."

Future projects that the group hopes to develop include creating an online resource for walking, developing packages with local businesses, creating a new range of simple walks from the town centre and working with the council to improve the local rights of way network.

"To keep this prestigious award, the town has to show it is always looking to improve and there are many other initiatives planned," said Ruth.

The group is also delighted that local television celebrity Kate Humble has agreed to be their patron.

Kate is best known for her wildlife programmes such as Springwatch and said: "I'm delighted to be a patron for Abergavenny's Walkers are Welcome. Abergavenny is the perfect base for walkers who appreciate glorious, diverse scenery and want somewhere to come back to that offers great local food and lovely places to stay. Walkers really are genuinely welcome."

The Walkers are Welcome award initiative began in 2007 and over the years the network has expanded and covers all areas of the UK from Shetland to Cornwall.

The Abergavenny group are now meeting regularly to get the ambitious action plan up and running. Anyone who would like to join this group would be very welcome and the next meeting is planned for March 12 at the Angel Hotel at 6pm. For more information contact Ruth on 07528 225751 or email [email protected]">[email protected].