Walkers from all across Wiltshire braved thunderstorms as they took part in Corsham’s first walking festival.

The festival, which was organised to celebrate the town gaining official Walkers are Welcome status, included a range of organised walks held around Corsham and its surrounding areas on June 28.

Richard Hovey, the chairman of the Corsham for Walking group, said: “One hundred walkers arrived throughout the day, well prepared for the rain that inevitably fell, and we even had thunder and lightning.

“However, everyone came back smiling, saying what an enjoyable time they had had and how much they had learned about the area.”

Mr Hovey added: “We had visitors from as far afield as Malvern and London, plus walkers who had just moved into the area.

“I want to thank the wonderful staff from the Tourist Information Centre in Cor-sham, for all their help and hospitality; the staff at the Town Hall for their invaluable help; plus the pubs and cafés who looked after the walkers so well.

“We will be back next year, when we aim to arrange a two-day festival, so we will be hoping for the same wonderful support.”