Walks take in rare sights.

RAMBLERS on the hunt for rare flowers in County Durham can now make a beeline for them.

The new Sherburn Hill Walks leaflet, marked out with a bee logo, are being launched by Sherburn Hill Environmental Action Group.

The walks, which are included in a leaflet supported by Durham County Council's Parish Paths Partnership small grant scheme, features four circular self-guided routes suitable for all ages ranging from one mile to three and a half miles.

Each starts and finishes by the Methodist Chapel and take in Moor Edge, Shadforth Ponds, Running Waters and St Laurence's Church, with spectacular views over Durham and as far as the Cheviots.

Sherburn Hill's grassland supports rare plants such as blue moor grass, rock rose and dark red helleborine. Part of the area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

"In the past, many of the paths were used to reach collieries, schools and other places of work," said Kevin Stock, of Sherburn Hill History Club.