WOODLAND chiefs are celebrating a project that is now set to become part of the Olympic magic.
Running Rings, a new initiative from The Mersey Forest, has become the 100th project across the region to become part of the official London 2012 Inspire programme.
Recognising this achievement, Dave Moorcroft, ambassador for the London 2010 Olympic Games, presented the organisation with a certificate at a gala reception in the City of Manchester Stadium.
Paul Nolan, director of The Mersey Forest, said: “After more than 60 years the Games are returning to the UK. This is a great chance for our region of sport enthusiasts to become part of this once-in-a-lifetime event through Running Rings.
“The Mersey Forest’s legacy to the Games is the stimulus for the North West to make their region a greener place or just set themselves the personal goal to get fitter physically and mentally with the aid of woodland trails.”
As part of the scheme seven new woodland tracks, varying in length, are to be created across a network of green spaces across Cheshire West and Chester, Sefton, Liverpool, Knowsley, St Helens, Halton and Warrington.
Local schoolchildren and residents will be invited to get involved with the design and creation of the routes through tree planning and environmental volunteer opportunities.
Once the routes are up and running, which will be before the start of Olympic 2012, The Mersey Forest estimates more than 25,000 people will use the trails each year.