Published August 23, 2017 at 11:07

Walkers are being invited to put their best foot forward for the annual Rossendale Round the Hills Walk.

Taking place on Sunday, September 3, it leaves from Marl Pits Sports Centre and is 18 miles long.

This is the 50th year of the walk, which was originally established by Walter Whittaker with the aim of encouraging local people to enjoy a long walk in the surrounding hills.

Every year it brings hundreds of people together to appreciate the countryside around Rossendale.

Sign up takes place on the day from 8am until 10.30am and the first walkers leave at 8.30am. It starts and finishes at Marl Pits Sports Complex on Newchurch Road in Rawtenstall.

There is no entry fee, however, donations to Rotary to help towards costs are appreciated and there is also a free ‘50th walk t-shirt’ for the first 500 entrants.

In addition, this year there is also a slightly easier 15 mile route which entrants can choose to undertake, however, both routes take in the glorious Rossendale countryside.

The event has been part sponsored by Rossendale Borough Council, which has contributed over £500 for waymarkers and stickers to help walkers complete the 18 mile route.

Councillor Barbara Ashworth, Portfolio Holder for Health and Housing, said: