PENDLE'S first walking festival was due to kick off today attracting ramblers from all parts.

The four-day festival started this morning at Aisled Barn, Wycoller, with a short ceremony before the first two walks began.

Organisers hope to attract as many people as possible to the festival by offering something for everyone.

There will be more than 30 free guided countryside walks, of varying lengths and difficulty, taking in some of Lancashire's most dramatic and varied landscapes.

Mike Williams, Pendle's tourism officer, said he hoped the festival would help to raise the profile of the borough.

He said: "The strengths of the area include its countryside and there are some fantastic, beautiful landscapes.

"We hope people who have not seen this corner of the world before will come and see how beautiful it is.

"It is not as well known as the Yorkshire Dales or the Lake District but it is equally as beautiful.

"There are walks for all different abilities from one mile health walks to the more long distance walks. The message is come along and have a go."

Most of the walks are around six miles and can be completed by the average recreational walker.

As part of the festival there will also be an exhibition at the barn about walking. This includes the new access arrangements coming into force under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Staff from Lancashire County Council's countryside service will be at the exhibition from 2pm to 4pm tomorrow and Sunday, to answer any questions about the new access arrangements.

A free Pendle Walking Festival programme is available from Pendle Council's tourism officer by calling 01282 661685 or by sending an email to tourism@pendle.gov.uk