Mayor takes on trek challenge

OLDHAM Mayor Councillor Richard Knowles is strapping on his walking boots to lead the way in the 10th annual Oldham Way Challenge.

The Castleshaw Centre, part of Oldham’s Integrated Youth Services, is organising the event for tomorrow and Saturday.

It involves a hike of approximately 40 miles spread over two days that takes in most of the Oldham Way circular footpath around the borough. It starts and finishes at Daisy Nook Country Park, with the Castleshaw Centre as the end of day one and the start of day two.

Councillor Knowles is joining in to help raise money for the range of good causes (Promobility — Oldham’s Shopmobility scheme, Barnardos Oldham and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice) that he has chosen this year for the Mayor’s Charity.

He said: “You may not know that the Oldham Way itself was my idea back in 1983-84 when I suggested it as a means of bringing together Oldham’s different communities. It’s wonderful to see that, in my year as Mayor, so many people from all parts of Oldham will be united in this walk around the borough — and many of them are raising money for the Mayor’s Charity. I’ll be walking with them, so let’s hope the sun shines!”

Youth Mayor Chantel Birtwistle will also be taking part along with approximately 70 young people from groups organised by Oldham’s Integrated Youth Services.

Event co-ordinator David Faulconbridge said: “This is a non-competitive event for groups, families and individuals, celebrating and enjoying this fine route around Oldham.

“Experienced hill walkers can take up the challenge with the advantage of the event support, while others can join our staff and Rangers from Oldham Countryside Ranger Service for a guided walk along the route.

“We are expecting over 100 participants this year. It’s great to see so many people taking part — many of them will be staying at the Castleshaw Centre overnight — and also raising money for good causes.”