A SERIES of special walks have been planned to celebrate the 25th birthday of a popular ramblers group.

Keen walkers from Redbridge will be able to join their counterparts from across north east London at a variety of events to mark a quarter of a century since the founding of Ramblers Essex Area.

The first walk be held on Sunday September 20 - beginning at the junction of Forest Drive and Capel Road in Manor Park at 9am.

The ramble is free and walkers can join in at any point with the group, which should reach Green Man roundabout in Leytonstone at 9.45am.

The walkers will pass the County Hotel in Highams Park an hour later and Warren Pond carpark in Chingford at midday before stopping off for lunch at the Robin Hood pub near High Beach at around 1.30pm.

The group will then set off for Epping at 2.30pm, arriving at Bell Common, Epping by 4.30 pm.

A spokeswoman for the group said: "Walkers can join and leave the walk at will but will need to arrange lifts or study public transport options.

"The total distance is 14 to 15 miles. For more information phone Mike on 0208 524 2737."