A walking festival has been given a spring in its step following a £400 grant.

The money from Dover Town Council is to help in the costs of the White Cliffs Walking Festival from August 22 to 28 this year.

The White Cliffs Ramblers (WCR) have been organising this event since 2013.

Last year 44 walks were organised with more than 1,200 people, covering more than 13,000 miles.

It is one of the biggest and most successful walking festivals in South East England

The hikes can be themed, for instance the Ice Cream Walk to Solley’s Farm Shop in Deal and the Smugglers Walk with actors and props

Local experts are leaders and tell of the history of places such Dover including its mills, tanneries, breweries and its archaeology.

A representative of the WCR explained to the council of the benefits of the festival including health through exercise and a social occasion.

It also boosts the local economy as walkers, visitors and locals, use nearby shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels.

The grant was offered by the council's civic and special projects committee.

For further details of the White Cliffs Walking Festival click here.