THERE’S no real surprise that BBC’s gentle Sunday programme Countryfile has a regular audience of many millions.

The series first began in 1988, focusing then on farming and a rural life that no longer exists in many parts of the country. As time has gone on, it has spread its brief to other countryside pursuits, visiting various areas to look at local life, produce and even the arts.

It’s a relatively non-controversial, low-key hour’s viewing, focusing on the world around us, and seems to fit comfortably into Sunday’s more relaxed pace.

I’m sure there are many local people who enjoy this programme, whether they pine after country living or not. Here, though, we are luckier than most places because we have the rugged, rolling beauty of the West Pennines on our doorstep.

And if you were one of the many people who trekked up Rivington Pike on Good Friday, you’ll know that there are plenty of residents across Bolton and Bury who value this Lancashire greenery and visit it often.