A WOODLAND walk has been officially opened as part of the celebrations marking an important anniversary at a Wye Valley hotel.

It is 60 years since the Christian Guild, a Methodist organisation, bought the Lindors Country House hotel at The Fence near St Briavels.

The walk was created by gardeners at the hotel who cleared an overgrown area next to a stream and it was officially opened by Rev Richard Atkins, a Methodist minister and Radio Gloucestershire presenter.

General manager of Lindors, Mr Neil Heaven, said: "We had this derelict area and nobody knew what was behind it but the gardeners found out."

Rev Atkins said: "I came here 18 months ago to do a story but the weather that day was horrible and I said I'd like to come back.

"It's a beautiful garden here and I'm delighted to open the woodland way."

Tributes were paid to head gardener Steve Williams and his team of Colin Biddle and Jim Gent. There were also presentations to Steve, who is leaving next month, and Jim who retired last week with 20 years' service between them.

At the same time as the opening of the woodland way there was also a garden party including a display of art and craft, live music and archery.

The hotel also had a gala dinner with the Mayor of Coleford in attendance and a service of thanksgiving.