THE Forest of Bowland AONB is celebrating the 70th anniversary of 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act.

The act paved the way for legislation to create the UKs 46 areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The act was part of the post-Second World War democratic settlement efforts which saw the government rebuilding a sense of national identity and thanking citizens for their sacrifices during the war.

The areas that were designated as a result of the act were envisioned as partner organisations to the NHS which was created in 1948.

Giving people access to the countryside for exercise, enjoyment and mental health benefits was considered a preventative measure; while the NHS was designed to help people if they became sick.

The celebrations come in the form of 'Landscapes for Life' week, which will take place on Saturday, September 21, to Sunday, September 29.

This year's theme is the National Health Service and people have bene asked to enjoy a walk or cycle across the area to celebrate the pioneering post-war vision that protected the Forest of Bowland for people to enjoy.