BINGLEY is putting its best foot forward after winning the accolade of becoming an official “Walkers are Welcome” town.

And campaigners are celebrating as Bingley now joins Baildon, Ilkley and Burley-in-Wharfedale in a national network of communities endorsed for their amenities and the hospitality they offer to walkers.

It means the town can now be promoted internationally under the Walkers are Welcome brand.

As well as encouraging the health benefits of walking, WaW status can also help to boost the local economy by attracting visitors and increasing footfall.

The official launch of Bingley Walkers are Welcome will take place at 10am on Saturday, April 11 at Bingley Arts Centre with a special event and a variety of walks for all ages and abilities.

Christine McCabe, who spearheaded Bingley’s bid for the status, said: “We are absolutely delighted to gain Walkers are Welcome accreditation and are very grateful for the support for our application from many quarters.

"It’s all happened very quickly and shows just how much everyone is behind this initiative.

“Bingley is a brilliant place to walk and enjoy the great outdoors, particularly as it’s so accessible by public transport.

"There’s the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, the River Aire, three wonderful parks and the moors and so much interesting history to explore.

"We’re now looking forward to developing the walking routes and making sure the launch is a terrific success so that more people put on their walking boots and come to experience the area.”

Any individual, organisation or business wishing to get involved in the launch, particularly providing sponsorship, is encouraged to get in touch with Bingley Walkers are Welcome.

The group is keen to link up with others who have already published information about walks around the town.

Ann Sandell, Secretary of Walkers are Welcome Towns Network UK, said: “Bingley's application for Walkers are Welcome accreditation was unanimously approved.

"The executive committee was very impressed with the strength of the application. We are delighted to welcome Bingley into the network and it is clear that the town and surrounding area has much to offer walkers.”

To achieve Walkers are Welcome status, Bingley had to show grassroots support for the scheme and this was demonstrated through a petition which was signed by over 1,300 people and many local business owners.

In addition, letters backing the bid were gathered from councillors and officers of Bradford Council, Metro and all the medical practices in Bingley.

Bingley Community Council Group also provided high quality photographs of Bingley’s beauty spots and landmarks to support the application.

The Bingley WaW group is also grateful for advice and support from Bradford’s senior tourism officer Sarah Howsen, Baildon Walkers are Welcome and its mentor Barry McCallum from Boroughbridge Walkers are Welcome.