RICHMOND is gearing up for a festival celebrating some of the best reading and walking to be had in North Yorkshire.

The Books and Boots,Walks and Words,Walking and Book Festival will take place in and around Richmond from today until October 5.

It comes just after Richmond became the first town in North Yorkshire to be granted “Walkers are Welcome” status.

Town manager Colin Grant, who organised the bid, said: “The initiative was started by the people of Hebden Bridge, and we have had to prove to them that we are worthy of the status.

“To be classed as a Walkers are Welcome town, you need to have 250 signatures of support from residents as well as backing from the local authority and business community.You also need good public transport links and way-marked routes.

“We are now one of just ten or 12 towns in the country to achieve this status and we are very proud.

“Richmond has so many beautiful walks and it is wonderful to be able to raise the profile of walking in the town.”

The festival features guided walks, talks and events, including an evening with the poet Brian Patten.

Spokeswoman Gillian Howells said: “Each day people can choose from a series of guided walks designed to suit all abilities and interests.

“When not walking, people can hear words that come in various guises from poets, playwrights, cooks, crime writers, and journalists and some are even committed to film, such as Blake Morrison’s story And When Did You Last See Your Father?, which stars Colin Firth.

“We are all really looking forward to what should be a really brilliant event.”

A full printed programme is available from Richmond tourist information centre on 01748-828742, and can also be found on the websites www.richmondwalking.com or www.richmondbookfestival.com.