VALE residents are being asked to help shape the new Rights of Way Improvement Plan and win a prize.

Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act Worcestershire County Council is required to produce an improvement plan by November 2007.

This consultation will influence the plan and how it is implemented. The service would like to hear the views of anyone who uses or is interested in using rights of way in the county.

They include footpaths, bridleways, byways, canal towpaths and other routes such as open spaces.

Every person who fills in a questionnaire will be entered into a draw to win outdoor clothing or equipment up to the value of £100.

The winner will be able to choose a voucher from Millets, Blacks or Countryside Stores. The opinions of different groups of people who use the countryside are needed to get a full picture of how the future plan could affect varying types of users.

Richard Preston, Worcestershire County Council's senior countryside access development officer, said: "This will be the first ROWIP and will help influence the future of rights of way in Worcestershire for the next ten years.

"It's really important we get people who use rights of way or want to use them to give their opinion so whether they are walkers, horse riders, cyclists, other users, landowners or land managers we want their thoughts.

"They have the added bonus of the chance to win a great prize."

For further information and a questionnaire visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/countryside or call 01905 768214 before the June 30 closing date.