Mayor of Tadcaster, Margaret Middlemiss, cut the ribbon watched by over 50 people before the local cub pack undertook a two hour celebratory walk along the River Wharfe and around historic Tadcaster to mark the occasion.

Insights into the fascinating history of the brewery town were given by Margaret Dawson of the Tadcaster Historical Society along the way.

The thirsty young walkers then returned to the town's council office, The Ark, for a welcome drink and home made cakes.

Tadcaster town councillor and deputy mayor Greg Lodge, a member of the Walkers Are Welcome Steering Group, said: "This was a great start to Walkers Are Welcome in Tadcaster and we hope the town becomes a first choice destination for walkers of all levels looking to experience the beauty and variety of the countryside around the town."

Walkers Are Welcome is a national accreditation for towns awarded against a series of standards.

Tadcaster achieved accreditation earlier this year and the Walkers Are Welcome Steering Group for the town is putting together a strategy for the development of walking amenities in and around the town.

Visit www.walkersarewelcome.org.uk/ for more information.