Ramblers pulled on their boots in their hundreds to take part in the Sidmouth and East Devon Walking Festival.

Organisers have hailed the event as a big success after 494 people booked on to one of the 23 free walks.

The nine-day festival expanded its routes to cover the East Devon region, with ramblers walking as far as Lyme Regis.

It is the first year the festival has worked with the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team.

Karen Whittaker, communications officer from East Devon AONB, said: “We are absolutely delighted the festival has been such a success. The feedback has been excellent and everyone has enjoyed the wide variety of walks on offer.”

Organisers have been planning the event for a year to incorporate expert-led walks and eight specialist interests, offering participants the chance to learn a new skill, such as map reading and foraging, and informative talks about the coast and responsible dog ownership.

Mrs Whittaker added: “We hope the festival will encourage more people to get outside and explore this outstanding area.”

The organising committee thanked walk leaders and the ramblers for their participation in making the event a success.