ORGANISERS of the Malvern Walking Festival are urging participants to sign up quickly if they want to take part, with bookings coming in thick and fast.

Seven walks are fully booked, with half a dozen more nearing their capacity. However, over 25 more walks still have space.

David Owen of the organising committee said: "Just on the first weekend, there’s a choice between walks around Upton, Mathon, Powick, or the Southern Hills.

"Malvern’s history can be explored on four walks during the nine days of the Festival, covering the water cure, blue plaques, cultural history and history and heritage.

"Bank Holiday Monday sees a 10-mile walk along the Severn, taking in the villages of Hallow, Grimley, Holt and Sinton Green, and looking at the magnificent weir and locks at Bevere."

The festival starts on Saturday, May 29 and runs until Sunday, June 5 The variety of walks on offer continues through the week. To find out more, visit malvernwalking.uk or the Tourist Information Centres in Malvern or Ledbury.