FINAL preparations are under way for a walking event which it is hoped could pump thousands of pounds into a beleaguered dales economy.

Community groups and council officers are putting the finishing touches to the Roof of England Walks Festival, which will be based in Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham.

The event, on June 2 and 3, is expected to draw hundreds of hikers to the upper Teesdale area, which barely saw any visitors last year as foot-and-mouth gripped the region.

Residents are hoping it will prove a massive boost to the economy, which suffered badly during the epidemic.

Ramblers from around the country are expected to take part in the event, which will offer visitors a menu of walks in the area.

Each day, there will be a selection of walks for visitors, ranging from strolls of five miles to more strenuous 25-mile treks.

The festival, which will coincide with the Queen's Golden Jubilee, will also offer visitors the chance to take guided walks with experts to find out more about the area's lead mining heritage and its flora and fauna.

The event has been organised by Middleton Plus, the North Pennines Partnership and Durham County Council, with financial help from the Countryside Agency, Teesdale Marketing, Teesdale District Council and the county council.

Organiser Judith Mashiter, of Middleton Plus, said: "Although most of the walks are self-guided along marshalled and waymarked routes and walkers can turn up on the day, we stress that they should register at the control point in the Field Studies Centre, Middleton-in-Teesdale."

For further details, call (01833) 641001.