KEEN walkers will be up bright and early on Sunday, May 5 to take part in the annual dawn chorus walk around Belstone parish.

This year's route will be through Priestacott Wood to West Cleave, down to the East Okement at Chapel Ford, past the Nine Maidens stone circle and back to Belstone via Birchy Lake.

The event should be a great chance to see some of the wonderful wildlife in the area.

Walk leader Chris Walpole said: 'Such a varied route of woods, lanes, streams and open moorland gives walkers a good chance of seeing lots of different species.

'Although the very cold March and early April set back the arrival dates of many summer visitors, I've not seen swallows, chiffchaffs and blackcaps; by the walk date all the usual suspects should be here and in full voice.'

By 8am the walk will return to Belstone Village Hall for a breakfast of cereal, toast, bacon rolls, cheese scones and hot drinks.

Walking boots and binoculars are recommended, with no dogs allowed on the walk.

Suggested donations of £2 for the walk or £5 for the walk and breakfast will be gratefully received for hall funds.