TRAFFORD Ramblers path maintenance team has walked away with a national award.

The group picked up the award on March 29 from the Ramblers in recognition of their work clearing and maintaining paths in the area.

The award-winning team ensures paths in the Trafford area are clear for people to walk.

They were recently successful in ensuring a footpath next to a primary school in Timperley was cleared and covered by a hard surface, allowing mothers with small children and pushchairs to use the path again as a short and safe walk to school.

In recognition of their efforts, the team scooped the Protecting Where We Walk Award at the Ramblers President’s Volunteer Awards.

Finalists for the award were shortlisted by Kate Ashbrook, the Ramblers president, and walking enthusiasts across the country voted for the winner.

Kate said: "We congratulate the Trafford Ramblers path maintenance team on their award.

“Led enthusiastically and efficiently by June Mabon, the team works very closely with the local council regularly to inspect paths, organise clearing and report problems such as fallen trees.

“We would not be able to achieve what we do without our many volunteers, so our volunteer awards are a great way of thanking them for their hard work and celebrating their efforts and dedication.”

June Mabon, group footpath secretary of Trafford Ramblers, said: “Thankyou to the committee for nominating the team, to everyone who supported the nomination and so got us shortlisted and to all who voted for us.

“And of course, a super thankyou to the inspectors and path maintenance people who have worked so hard over the years to bring the footpath work in Trafford to the level that made us candidates for this prestigious award.”