THE recently held Quantock Walking Festival was another resounding success.

Taking place over the weekend of June 22 and 23, there were six guided walk were held in and around the Quantocks and on the coast.

Numbers were well up on last year with a total of 85 walkers over the two days.

Lynne Abbot from Stowey Walking said: "While the majority of walkers came from Somerset, just over a quarter came from elsewhere in the UK and we had one couple from Australia who were holidaying in Devon.

"Several of those from out of county stayed in local B&Bs over the weekend, therefore making a positive contribution to the local economy.

"Walkers were then offered tea and home-made cake at the Nether Stowey Church Centre after their walk."

Contributions raised from the weekend will help over the coming year with ongoing costs and new projects, helping to improve facilities for walkers in and around the Quantock Hills as part of the nationwide Walkers are Welcome initiative.

Mrs Abbot added: "Particular thanks go to the walk leaders, backmarkers and our kitchen crew for giving up their weekend and making everything go smoothly for our walkers."

Now in its fourth year, The Quantock Hills Walking Festival has become a regular event in the local summer calendar.