VOLUNTARY Countryside Ranger Steve Shippen will lead a new programme of guided walks in County Durham.

Mr Shippen will start a ten-mile country walk from Castleside, near Consett on New Year's Day.

It is part of a three-month series, covering 360 miles, organised by Durham County Council.

The walk starts at 10am from the Whitehall picnic area and is graded medium.

Mr Shippen's colleague David Butler will lead a medium graded 11-mile walk from Broompark picnic area, near Stonebridge, Durham City, on Saturday, January 3.

Starting at 10am, it is themed around coal and railways.

Rangers Janet and Steven Hutchinson will lead a Border County Ramble on Sunday, January 4, starting from Allensford picnic area, north of Castleside.

The five-and-a-half mile walk is graded medium and starts at 10am.

The guided walks series includes nearly 60 walks until the end of March.

Tickets, unless specified, are available on the day for £2, or concessions £1.

Copies of the programme are available at libraries and Tourist Information Centres or from the environment and technical services department or help desk at County Hall, Durham.

Walkers taking part in the events need to bring a packed lunch and wear boots.

For more information, call 0191-383 4144.