A LONG-standing member of Hexham Ramblers has been recognised with an award for 40 years of volunteering.

Mavis Harris first joined the group in 1988, having held positions including vice-chairman, press officer and footpaths secretary, but she has been a champion for access to the countryside for much longer.

For at least 25 years Mavis has worked in conjunction with Northumberland County Council rights of way officers to fight against footpath closures and ensure paths are kept in a good state of repair.

She has represented the ramblers on county council liaison groups, is a walks leader for Prudhoe Health Walks and secretary for Prudhoe Pathforce, which she has been involved with for 15 years.

Several miles of footpaths have been legally recorded and parish wide surveys and improvements in both Prudhoe, and Broomley and Stocksfield parishes have been carried out under her guidance.

Mavis has also been instrumental in the production of information leaflets on footpaths in the Prudhoe area.

Last year she was involved in the creation of Hexham Ramblers' Treasure Hunt Walks competition and has been a volunteer with Hadrian's Wall Trail since the group was formed in 2008.

Hexham Ramblers secretary, Julia Forster, said: "Mavis is an amazing fund of knowledge, a great champion for access in the area and a true friend of ramblers and the countryside."

The award was presented by Humshaugh's Chris Francis, who also gave a talk on his Lands End to John O'Groats walk and book Stroll On , during an event held at the Torch Centre in Hexham last month.