WALKERS from Bromsgrove hunting for an interesting trail packed with history and wildlife are in for a treat.

An initiative, originally dubbed The Millennium Way but now called Royal Hunters' Walks, by Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council's countryside service to create a series of walks has been putting its best foot forward and is due for completion in autumn next year.

The project will develop the walks, each of different length, from the heart of Bromsgrove at Sanders Park, to the west of the town and Catshill, taking in rural heritage.

It was originally due for competition in May next year but was "unavoidably delayed" according to the district council, by the foot and mouth epidemic.

In a report to the authority's executive cabinet, earlier this month, the head of leisure services, Robbie Hazelhurst, said the aim of the "well-signed, way-marked, well-maintained and accessible walking trails" was to provide access to the countryside, boost tourism, promote a healthy lifestyle and improve access along rights of way.

The central theme will be rural heritage.

Mr Hazelhurst added: "Within this central theme, the initial feasibility study uses the historical high points of the walks to produce a 'tour through time', starting in the modern day Bromsgrove and journeying through time to Medieval Feckenham Royal Hunting Forest and the legend of Kind Alfred."

Titles suggested for individual walks include the Chartist Trail, Forest Walk and Nailmakers' Trail.