WALKERS are always welcome in Porlock and now the village can put it in writing.

The popular destination has just become only the third village in Somerset to win official 'Walkers are Welcome' accreditation.

The community-led scheme is aimed at making areas more attractive to visitors and boosting the economy.

Porlock had to meet six criteria to obtain the coveted status, from ensuring footpaths are kept in good order to demonstrating local support for the initiative.

A spokesman for Porlock Visitor Centre said the village was proud of its long standing record of welcoming walkers and a host of accommodation providers already provided drying facilities, packed lunches, early breakfasts, maps and walk routes as part of their normal packages.

Walking boots are permitted dress in most of the pubs and cafés and walkers can also buy a range of suitable equipment and clothing in the village.

Enthusiasts can pick up a variety of walking leaflets and books and there is also the annually reviewed Porlock Walks brochure with 12 local treks, written and illustrated by Alistair and Gill Campbell and produced by Chris Miles.

To gain the Walkers are Welcome status, Porlock had to collect 200 local signatures showing support for the accreditation.

And that was achieved in a record-breaking four days.

"This is just one more tool in our continuing drive to bring more visitors to the area," said the spokesman.

Photo: Steve Guscott