A FESTIVAL of walking is being held this summer with two events taking in place in the Andover region.

The first North Wessex Downs Walking Festival runs from June 8 to June 23 to celebrate the landscapes of the Downs region.

Of the dozen walks taking place, one will be entitled Facca's Valley: The woods, hills & valleys of the Faccombe Estate, taking place on June 9, and then Big Skies & Hidden Valleys: The Manors of Vernham Dean will be on June 20.

Another walk will be held on June 23 called One Lump or Two - Ladle Hill and Beacon Hill, held at the landmarks off the A34 north of Whitchurch.

Ann Shepley, communications officer from the North Wessex Downs AONB team said: “The North Wessex Downs is a glorious place to walk and explore and, with the help of partner organisations and individuals, we have created this very first Walking Festival to help to show what this beautiful area has to offer us all.”

Many of the walks are free of charge.

Detailed information about all the walks and how to book can be found at northwessexdowns.org.uk/walking-festival