THREE days of celebrations saw communities from across Cheshire come together to mark the 40th anniversary of the Sandstone Trail.

Schools, environmental craft and education groups and historical actors came together to bring alive parts of the modern and ancient history of the popular walking route.

Luke Neal, from the Meres & Mosses Landscape Partnership, walked much of the 34 mile trail from Whitchurch to Delamere visiting communities along the way and carrying with him a hand-crafted giant white-faced darter dragonfly.

The rare white-faced darter dragonfly has a special new link with the trail, as it has recently been re-introduced to Delamere Forest after 10 years of absence.

The three-day event came to a bustling finish at the Delamere Forest, where the Sandstone Ridge Trust offered country crafts and costume demonstrations giving families the chance to get up-close to ancient skills like metal casting, wood-working, sword-fighting and archery, along with discovering how modern-day archaeologists connect with the history of the Sandstone Trail.

Gary Ball, project co-ordinator for the Sandstone Ridge Trust’s 'Ridge, Rocks and Springs’ Heritage Lottery Funded Project, said: “Such a fun, interactive hands-on event was a great way for families and youngsters to discover the unique landscape of Cheshire, its rich history and wildlife in marking the 40th anniversary of the Sandstone Trail."

To find out more about the work of The Sandstone Ridge Trust visit thesandstoneridgetrust.co.uk