A MEMORIAL walk is being created as a tribute to Martin Brent, the former clerk to Colwall Parish Council.

Members of the present parish council plan to create a four-mile circular walk around Colwall past the Charlie Ballard Nature Reserve, Colwall Station and local hostelries, which will be called the Martin Brent Walk. Once the route has been confirmed, a leaflet with instructions and viewpoints will be printed.

Present clerk Cynthia Spaull said: "Martin was clerk for about six years and was an exceptionally nice man who died very suddenly. He was a great walker who had written a book about walks around Colwall, so we thought a fitting memorial would be to name a walk after him.

"We also hope to create an annual sponsored walk around the route to raise money for research into leukaemia, which is what Martin died of."

Council chairman Nicky Carless said: "Martin had been a clerk to the council for a number of years and he suddenly died about a year and a half ago. We wanted to create something in remembrance of him for the work he had done. When the council met without him, there was a big hole. We've been speaking to his widow and she is very enthusiastic for this project.

"The walk takes in the whole of the village, near enough, and it can be accessed from most points in the village. People are out having a go to see that instructions for the walk all work properly, then we're looking to publish some leaflets."

The council plans to launch the walk next spring.