Sam Phillips from the Ross-on-Wye Walkers are Welcome group, who is also vice chairman of the Walkers are Welcome Network National Executive Committee, was one of the key speakers at a conference recently. The event was attended by around 100 delegates to celebrate the success of a £1 million initiative to improve the economy and boost sustainable tourism in the swathe of countryside either side of the 177-mile Offa's Dyke Path National Trail.

The Walking with Offa partnership had supported towns throughout the area to obtain or maintain Walkers are Welcome status, which marks a place out for the welcome it extends to walkers. "It is a simple, brilliant concept," said Sam, "and we are very grateful for what Walking with Offa has done to enable us to expand nationally."

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.