SOUTH Cotswold Ramblers' Group is celebrating after 12 kissing gates were installed on popular walking routes after members sold books to raise money.

The group, which meets regularly to explore routes around the Five Valleys, raised money when one of its members wrote two books about the best walks in the area.

Keen walker Mike Garner compiled the first book, Favourite South Cotswold Walks, in 1995 and went on to compile a follow up, More favourite walks in the South Cotswolds.

Selling these books has raised more than £3,500, with the money raised helping to improve the walking routes.

"We wanted to do something for the local area," said group secretary Bernard Smith.

"We decided that kissing gates were an excellent choice because walking over old stiles and broken gates can be difficult for older people or those with children."

Five new kissing gates have been installed on one of the group's most popular walks between Eastington and King's Stanley.

Others have been installed in Stonehouse and Wotton-under-Edge with the group looking to install more.

Chairman Richard Davis said the group is eager to raise more money and recruit new members who are interesting in walking and meeting new people.

For more information visit www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk * Favourite South Cotswold Walks, ISBN 1 901184 79X, published by South Cotswold Ramblers' Group is widely available including at Stroud Tourist Information Centre in the Sub Rooms, Stroud Bookshop, Nailsworth Nonsuch Books, and North Woodchester post office. It is priced at £3.95.