LOVERS of the countryside in Worcestershire are being encouraged to discover beautiful walks and Norman churches as part of a church initiative.

The Go West initiative, which has been launched by the Bishops of Worcester and Hereford, is to encourage people to take up walks in the Teme Valley.

The launch, which took place at The Talbot, at Knightwick, aims to develop rural tourism in the Teme Valley, which stretches from Worcester through the counties of Worcestershire and Herefordshire, Shropshire and into Wales.

A series of leaflets on the area, called Wanderers Companions, will be available to guide people through the valley walks.

"This is a church initiative aiming to develop rural tourism along the Teme Valley in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with historical buildings and a wealth of opportunities for the visitor," said Nicola Currie, press officer for the Bishop Of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby.

"The purpose is rural regeneration. Rural communities have been hit in the past few years by foot-and-mouth so this follows on from there.

"The Teme Valley is an ancient part of the county and some church buildings are Grade I listed."

The Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby and The Bishop of Hereford, the Rt Rev John Oliver attended the launch yesterday.

"I am delighted that such an imaginative initiative has been started which will bring together churches and community groups to help regenerate this magnificent part of the region," said the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby.

"I wish the project every success and hope that the launch will demonstrate the church's commitment to rural regeneration."