PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has told ramblers they are on the home straight in the campaign to open up the countryside to walkers.

The MP, whose Right to Roam Bill earlier this year pushed the issue to centre stage, told a rally of ramblers in Haworth that he expected legislation to guarantee access to be included in this year's Queen's Speech in November.

He said: "The Government is now pledged to bring in a statutory right of area access to over four million acres of some of the most beautiful countryside in England and Wales.

"The Government now recognises the voluntary approach which has been tried for half a century simply has not worked.

"Millions of people are fed up sneaking and creeping around our own countryside.

"We are brainwashed into believing we cause damage wherever we go - apologising for the harm we allegedly do by our mere presence." Mr Prentice was speaking at Howarth Community Centre in one of 25 "Access Day" rallies held around the country.

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