A SPECIAL walks leaflet featuring some of the views around Richmond painted by the artist JMW Turner, has just been published.

The leaflet, In the Footsteps of JMW Turner, Richmond 1816, is the result of collaboration between Richmondshire District Council and Michael Rudd of WalksPlus, and hopes to increase people's awareness of the artistic heritage of the area.

Turner made several visits to the Yorkshire Dales, but in 1816 he spent two days in Richmond following a commission to produce 20 watercolours to illustrate the History of Richmondshire, by the Reverend TD Whitaker.

In the Footsteps of JMW Turner, Richmond 1816 features two walks around Richmond. They were researched by Mr Rudd and follow as closely as possible the routes taken by the artist. They highlight several of Turner's well-loved views, including Richmond Castle and Easby Abbey.

The leaflet describes both walks in detail and is illustrated with Turner paintings, sketches and a route map.

It costs 75p and is available wholesale or from the tourist information centres in Richmond and Leyburn.