A SUCCESSFUL women's walking scheme is celebrating its birthday with an anniversary amble.

The Women's Walking Network was set up by Middlesbrough Borough Council almost three years ago, and became so successful that Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council came on board.

It recently attracted funding from the Countryside Agency, and to celebrate both this and its birthday, an anniversary amble will take place from the Falcon Inn, Hilton, at 10.30am on Monday, November 5.

This will be a gentle country ramble of about seven miles, followed by a pub lunch, which needs to be booked on (01642) 515611. Those not wanting lunch can just turn up on the day.

To encourage greater independence and to help women plan their own walks, the network will be offering classes in map reading and navigation in the New Year.

The councils behind it have produced a leaflet advertising its new programme of walks. To get a copy call Anne Gladwin on (01642) 515611