THE first phase of a project largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund is being launched on Sunday.

The village centre walk of the Wheathampstead Heritage Trail project is being officially opened at 1pm in Rectory Gardens behind St Helen’s Church.

Heritage Trail project leader, Cllr Annie Brewster, said: “We will have a brief unveiling ceremony of the plaques together with a balloon launch. Visitors will receive a free walking map and they can walk the trail and get a flavour of our fascinating timeline that stretches back 10,000 years and the colourful characters and events associated with Wheathampstead.”

Phase two of the trail will open next year with longer walks taking in sites such as Nomansland, Ayot St Lawrence, Coleman Green and Waterend. For more information look on the Wheathampstead Heritage Trail website at www.wheathampsteadheritage.org.uk