A celebration was held on Wednesday as part of Cilgerran’s Festive Week to launch a new book of walks for the area.

Written by the Walkers are Welcome group in the village, the book contains 12 local walks ranging in length from •7 of a mile to 11 miles. It is bilingual, in full colour with maps and detailed descriptions and available in local shops at a price of £5.

Walkers are Welcome is a UK wide organization that promotes an area as a good place for walking and helps to keep public footpaths open and in good condition. Cilgerran village was keen to be part of this initiative and after gaining support from the community, joined in 2008. The local group has led guided walks in the village and was successful in gaining a lottery grant to produce the book of walks. Over the past year they have been busy writing the book with contributions from many local people.

Isobel Livingston, who established the group and is its chairpman, said: "I am delighted that so much has been done to improve the footpaths in our area, and that this book will enable many more people to enjoy them. Walking is a wonderful way to get out into our beautiful countryside as well as having many health benefits."