Duke's top award for Stocksbridge Walkers are Welcome

Stocksbridge Walkers are Welcome was one of a number of local community projects in Yorkshire and the Humber to receive the award recently after it was deemed to be ‘of real value to the community, well run and an inspiration to others.’

Walkers are Welcome is a UK-wide, community-led network of accredited towns whose purpose is to develop and promote walking in areas with something different to offer. The group gained national accreditation in 2011.

SWaW member, Dave Pickersgill, said: “After coming second in the 2018 Ramblers, ‘Best Walking Neighbourhood Awards,’ Stocksbridge has become the new ‘go-to’ place for recreational walking.

“The countryside is open, walks are varied, clear instructions are available, and the area is relatively unspoilt.”

“The SWaW website has detailed downloadable instructions for almost fifty walks in, and

around, North Sheffield.”

Founded by the Duke in 1998, the Duke of York’s Community Initiative focuses on encouraging and rewarding innovative and inspirational community projects. His Royal Highness the Duke of York will make presentations and meet the successful applicants at an award ceremony to be held at Catterick Camp, on April 3.

HRH The Duke of York said: “The Community Initiative which bears my name is a great success story throughout the whole of Yorkshire with over 400 first class community schemes having received my award.

“They have been encouraged informally to act as mentors and examples of best practice to other communities, spreading far and wide the message that often the remedy for short comings can be generated at community level.”

Visit walkersarewelcome.org.uk for more details on the group and on local walks of interest.