AN Ulverston group celebrated a hair-warming anniversary as they wore their best ‘silly hats’ to commemorate 20 years of WalkFest.

The group donned their choice of headpiece to pay homage to former Ulverston mayor Ron Creer, who notably wore a silly hat during the first walk programme in 1999.

Leading the walk again, Mr Creer and his group were in good voice as they started the day at the Gill for a three-mile trek.

Mr Creer said: “We did the ‘silly hat’ theme to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of WalkFest.

“It’s a great calender event which allows a good group of people within the community to get exercise without exerting themselves too much.”

From humble beginnings 20 years ago, the then mayor Mr Creer, along with organisers Jean and Steve Povey along with Ulverston Town Band kicked off the first walk which started the silly hat craze.

WalkFest has since blossomed and thrived to become a significant and popular contribution to Ulverston as a festival town.

Linda Marshall, this year’s organiser, said: “WalkFest is an annual event. But the silly hat walk is a throwback to where it all started for us.

“This year we have over 30 events - most of them walks - which ends on Monday May 6, so we’ve still got plenty events until then if anybody wants to join us.

“WalkFest is a great way to keep fitness levels up and it’s for people of all ages.”

As part of WalkFest’s 20-year anniversary, tomorrow will see walk leaders take the group on a circuit of Tarns Hows and Monk Coniston to see examples of the oldest and rarest trees in the UK.

On Friday, WalkFest will be joined by local historian Jennifer Snell as she shows the group 20 points of interest in and around St. Mary’s Parish Church.

On the same day, the group will perform a 20K (13 miles) Anniversary Walk around Ulverston taking in sights such as the Ancient Church of Great Urswick and Sir John Barrow Monument.

Anyone interested in taking part should visit www.ulverstonwalkfest.co.uk.