Sam Phillips our vice chairman from the Ross-on-Wye Walkers are Welcome group, was one of the key speakers at a recent conference.

The event 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 has supported towns throughout the area who wished to apply for Walkers are Welcome status and those who had already gained creditation. “It is a simple, brilliant concept, which marks a place out for the welcome it extends to walkers” said Sam, “and we are very grateful for what Walking with Offa has done to enable us to expand.”