A POPULAR long distance footpath is celebrating its 40th birthday with an appeal to hikers to walk its 110mile length.

The Cleveland Way National Trail was opened on May 24 1969 across the North York Moors from Filey to Helmsley.

It was formed under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

It was the second national trail in England and Wales to be created and it has proved very popular with an estimated 2,300 walking its length annually.

To mark its ruby anniversary the North York Moors National Park is calling on walkers to trek along their favourite bit on May 24.

Malcolm Hodgson, the National Trails Officer for the Cleveland Way, is keen for walkers to mark the anniversary.

He said: "Whether you’re looking to complete the whole 110 miles or just fancy a short afternoon stroll, the Cleveland Way will take you through the very best the North York Moors has to offer.

"It has changed considerably from the first few years when waymarker signs were few and far between and long distance routes were very much for hardy hikers.

"Today the trail is managed for everyone to enjoy with a clear path and lots of great places to rest your legs along the way.

"We’ve also improved accessibility considerably and there is now just one stile on the inland section."

The Cleveland Way is funded by Natural England, the North York Moors National Park Authority, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Scarborough Borough Council.

Peter Nottage, regional director for Natural England in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "The Cleveland Way is one of our region’s gems and it’s one of three iconic National Trails in the region. "We have been working closely with the North York Moors National Park Authority to make sure the Cleveland Way continues to provide great opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the Trail for the next 40 years and beyond."

Local ramblers groups plus national park authority and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council staff will be walking different stretches on 24 May.

They will be doing the ten miles from Helmsley to Sutton Bank; 11 miles from Osmotherley to Clay Bank; 15 miles from Kildale to Saltburn; nine miles from Saltburn to Staithes and nine miles from Scarborough to Filey.

There are limited places on these walks with details and to book a place from 01439-772738.