A new walking trail in Hampshire has been opened in honour of one the county's most tireless campaigners for walking.

The 78-mile long path, running through north Hampshire between Andover and Aldershot, has been named in tribute to Brenda Parker, who died in 2008 just days before she was to have been made an honorary life member of the Ramblers.

Brenda developed the Hampshire wing of the Ramblers and helped increase the number of walker for the association. In her role as area footpath secretary, she defended paths from change and organised many walks.

Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society, paid tribute to Brenda Parker when she cut the ribbon to formally open Brenda Parker Way.

"Brenda worked tirelessly and without complaint for over four decades to win a better deal for walkers throughout Hampshire," she said.

"It is thanks to her dedication and commitment that so many people can enjoy the excellent walking in Hampshire today."

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