WALKERS of all ages and abilities are urged to go along to a launch event at Ilkley’s Kings Hall on Sunday, September 20, to celebrate the town winning Walkers are Welcome status.

Family walks, historical trails around the town centre as well as longer walks across the moors and surrounding countryside are planned on that day to mark Ilkley’s new status.

Ilkley district and parish councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council’s executive member for the environment, said: “People have walked over the famous Ilkley Moor for centuries and walkers are truly welcome in Ilkley. Whether you want to hike across the moor, enjoy the riverside and woods or simply learn more about the history of the town, there is a lovely walk in Ilkley for you.

“I am delighted Ilkley has been granted this status and for the work done by all the agencies involved to clinch it. This should increase the number of visitors to the town and thereby boost the local economy.”

The bid to the Walkers and Welcome Towns Network national committee was supported by Bradford Council’s countryside and tourism department, Ilkley Parish Council, Friends of Ilkley Moor, Ilkley Civic Society and the Lower Wharfedale Ramblers.

Hebden Bridge, Otley and Mytholmroyd are already in the scheme, along with Moffat in Scotland, Prestatyn and Meliden in North Wales and Church Stretton in Shropshire.

Ilkley’s application was considered by the WaW national committee last week and the town passed with flying colours.

WaW is a community-led initiative to promote towns as places that have something special to offer walkers of all kinds.

The campaign for WaW status was launched at a public meeting in the town in April and since then the steering group has been working hard to fulfil the six criteria necessary to gain accreditation.

Further information about WaW can be found on their website, walkersarewelcome.org.uk. Nationally there are 29 WaW towns.

A spokesman said: “Obtaining Walkers are Welcome status, as a growing number of communities across Britain are doing, brings a number of benefits. It helps strengthen a town’s reputation as a place for visitors to come and enjoy the outdoors.”

With the famous Ilkley moor on one side of the valley and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the other, Ilkley was seen as an ideal town to obtain WaW status.