THE founder of Rossendale Athletics Club and organiser of the Round the Hills Walk, Walter Whittaker, received an award from Rossendale Rotary Club.

Walter, 78, from Staghills, Newchurch, has organised the Round the Hills walk for more than 40 years and this year, because of the foot and mouth crisis, was only the second time the event has had to be cancelled.

Walter used to work at Newchurch Boot Company and was unaware that he was going to receive the award until he was invited to accept it from the club president Malcolm Sollitt at the Masonic Hall at Ashday Lea, Rawtenstall.

He was given the community and vocational service award in recognition of his service to the sporting community. Mr Sollitt said: "This award is specially for someone in the community or an organisation who we feel has done something of benefit to Rossendale. Walter richly deserved the award.

"Walter has been for a number of years helping to promote the leisure industry in Rossendale.

"A White Paper came out to get leisure into local authorities and Walter was the chairman of the committee which brought more leisure facilities into the Valley.

"This includes the complex at Marl Pits and he was also involved with the athletics club and the rugby club, he was heavily involved with the Royal British Legion and also the founder member of the Round the Hills Walk."