The full programme for the day, which will include stalls, exhibitions, workshops and short guided walks, has just been published by Hebden Bridge Walkers Action, the community group which is behind the initiative. The day kicks off at 10am, when Pam Warhurst, chairperson of Pennine Prospects, will formally open proceedings. Another national speaker at the event will be Kate Ashbrook, well-known campaigner on countryside issues and chair of the national Ramblers' Association.

"We wanted to celebrate Hebden Bridge as the first Walkers are Welcome town in an appropriate manner, and we can't think of a better way than this," said Andrew Bibby, chairman of Hebden Bridge Walkers' Action. "A whole range of other community organisations, from Moorland Rescue to Friends of Nutclough Woods, will be joining us, to make this a special day for anyone who enjoys getting out into the countryside."

The idea of the Walkers are Welcome' accolade for the town has been endorsed in a community petition last year, by Hebden Royd Town Council, and by several of the local parish councils. The initiative has already attracted national press attention, which has focused on the attractions of the town for walking. Three other towns in Britain which are now thinking of following Hebden Bridge's lead.

"We're lucky in having a large network of paths in our area, many the legacy of our particular industrial heritage. This is a way to celebrate that heritage," add Mr Bibby.

Hebden Bridge Walkers' Action stress that they are hoping to appeal to everyone, not just hardened ramblers, and will be particularly promoting the idea of Gentle Walking as a way to better health.

The launch of Hebden Bridge as a Walkers are Welcome town should coincide with the completion of a set of waymarked paths from Hebden Bridge, to Hardcastle Crags, Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike. Waymarking is due to begin shortly along the routes, which are designed to enable local people and visitors to venture safely out into the countryside without necessarily needing either maps or guides. Two display boards in the town will be erected to give more details of the routes. The waymarking initiative has been undertaken by Hebden Bridge Walkers' Action with the encouragement and help of Calderdale Council staff.

Hebden Bridge Walkers' Action members are now looking beyond the launch event on February 18, with a range of follow-up activities planned for later in the year. One initiative will be a photographic competition, open to all, designed to record and celebrate the flights of stone steps which are a distinctive feature of paths in our area.