NEVER mind the Peak District and the Lakes – the most walker-friendly spot in the country is right here in Calderdale.

Hebden Bridge is to be Britain’s first official Walkers are Welcome town.

Hebden Bridge Walkers’ Action Group created the new national standard and have now become the inaugural recipients of the status.

The group devised the necessary criteria including support from residents and local authorities and a commitment to maintain the status.

This week the community group finally met all of the stringent standards. They have collected more than the required 250 signatures in favour of the application and received formal endorsement from Hebden Royd Town Council.

The council also supported the application by supplying a £200 start-up grant.

The walkers’ action group hope the status will help them to campaign for the maintenance of footpaths and bridleways, publicity for rambles and improvement of public transport.

The town’s status will be formally launched at a festival for walkers in Hebden Bridge in February next year. The day will include workshops with speakers such as Kate Ashbrook from the Ramblers’ Association, displays, stalls, and, of course, walks around the town.