WALKERS are being invited to get outdoors and take a stroll on the Wyre side this weekend to celebrate the official opening of a series of new guided walks.

Three new waymarked trails and six downloadable walks, along with projects to improve public access have been launched at Arley Arboretum as part of the Grow with Wyre Landscape Partnership.

To mark the launch, people can take a guided stroll with Worcestershire County Council's countryside staff on three of the new routes tomorrow and Sunday to find out more about the work.

Conservative councillor John Campion, the county council’s cabinet member for localism, communities and county councillor for Bewdley, said: "The Grow with Wyre Landscape Partnership has been really successful in delivering many benefits for Wyre Forest.

“These new walks and trails are just some of the many improvements the project has brought and the weekend's events offer people the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the fantastic countryside we are lucky to have right on our doorsteps.

Mr Campion, who is also Leader of Wyre Forest District Council, added: "Walking has many obvious physical benefits when it comes to keeping fit or getting trim but it's also a great way to relax. I'd like to encourage anyone interested to join the groups over the weekend and sample the stunning landscapes."

People interested can join Saturday’s four-mile Upper Arley Circular walk at 9.30am from the site of the old river crossing and the three-mile A Wonder in the Wyre walk, which will leave from the from the Earnwood Copse car park at 1pm.

On Sunday they can take part in the four-mile Bewdley River and Rail Circular Walk, which will leave from Bewdley Severn Valley Railway Station at 10am.

People can secure their spot on the walks by calling the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 766493.

Further information about the project or the walks can be obtained by contacting 01905 768233 or logging on to worcestershire.gov.uk/countryside