THE annual community walk around the ancient boundaries of Barnoldswick will take place next weekend.

On Saturday September 3, all local residents are encouraged to join in the nine mile circular guided walk, to symbolically reinforce the town's boundaries by beating them with willow wands.

The ancient tradition of "beating the bounds" dates back to the time before maps were available, so ancestors could show their children where their town boundaries were.

The tradition was revived in West Craven by Barnoldswick Town Council and this year's walk will be led by Coun Allan Buck, supported by fellow councillors Maureen Blackwell and Barbara McCartan. It starts at 10am from the Victory Park pavilion.

The walk will use the canal for part of its route, providing views of the town and the Dales.

It is suitable for most ages and short sections can be completed with a pram or a wheelchair. People can walk the whole route or just part of it and dogs on leads are welcome.

Participants should bring a packed lunch and a break at the Anchor Inn, at Salterforth, has been planned.

Coun Buck said: "Willow wands with which to beat the boundaries and a commemorative ribbon and medal will be presented to everyone taking part in the walk.

"The walk is also part of Pendle's Walking Festival and is advertised nationally. It is expected to welcome walkers from all parts of the country."

Coun Buck added: "The Beating the Bounds route is also being planned to become part of a new West Craven Way, which will be a longer distance two-day walk. It will link the scenic circular routes around Barnoldswick and Earby and join onto the Pendle Way and Pennine Way."

Barnoldswick Town Council's Beating the Bounds working group has also been successful in gaining a grant of £15,000 from Pendle Council's canal corridor small projects fund.

This will provide for boundary stones at significant points on the route, an interpretive board at Victory Park, way marker posts along the walk, a free descriptive walk leaflet and a community marquee.

It is planned to complete this project by March 2006.