WALKERS are invited to put their best foot forward and sign up for the ever-popular Dudley Trail.

This year it’s the 36th anniversary of the annual event and organisers hope to attract more participants than ever before.

Set to take place on Sunday May 1, the event which starts and finishes at Dudley Leisure Centre will include a variety of routes to suit people of all ages and abilities.

Walks of six, nine, 12, 20 and 28 miles are on offer and will take people on a tour of hidden borough beauty spots and industrial sites of interest.

Councillor Kurshid Ahmed, Dudley’s cabinet member for visitor economy and cultural services, said: “The Dudley Trail always proves to be a popular event in the borough’s calendar.

“It provides a great way for people of all abilities to get involved and enjoy the sights of the borough as well as providing an opportunity to make new friends and exercise.

“It also offers walks for more seasoned walkers, designed to challenge their stamina and their skill.”

This year’s event is being organised in association with Action Heart and is supported by Let’s Get Active and sponsors K2 Security.

All walks start at designated times between 8am and noon and everyone who completes a trail will receive a certificate of achievement.

Checkpoints will be dotted along each of the five routes to ensure the well-being of walkers - and light refreshments will be available.

Entry in advance costs £3 per person for the 28 and 20-mile routes, £2.50 for the 12 and nine-mile routes and £1.50 to walk the more gentle six-mile route.

An additional 50p fee will be charged for all entries on the day.

Entry forms are available to download online at http://www.dudley.gov.uk/dudleytrail