THE first in the Life and Landscape series in Rossendale's 2002/2003 winter guided walks programme is on Sunday.

Called 'Top Birtle and Back,' the six-mile ramble takes a local history look at the vanishing parish of Birtle and returns up the forgotten valley of Cheeseden.

In this series, ramblers can go along and learn more about their local area.

Following moderate to hard routes, a local guide gives information about particular themes or aspects of Rossendale.

Meet local historian John B Taylor opposite Owd Bett's pub, in Rochdale Road, Edenfield at 1.30pm.

Further details from Rossendale Tourist Information Centre on 012706 226590.