THE day when more than a 1,000 people followed in the footsteps of those who came before will be remembered for years to come.

Thousands marched on September 5 last year to commemorate the role Bolton played 125 years ago in opening up the countryside for all to enjoy.

People came from across the North West to take part in the walk, with some not having heard about the mass trespass of Winter Hill until the anniversary celebrations got under way.

Now members of the Winter Hill 125 group, which organised the anniversary walk is fundraising for a special commemorative sign.

The march marked the anniversary of Britain's biggest ever rights of way dispute, following in the footsteps of the original protestors in the 1896 'Battle for Winter Hill'.

Back then thousands marched up Halliwell Road, Smithills Dean and Coal Pit Road on to the local moorland after wealthy landowner, Colonel Ainsworth had closed off access to the moors and historic rights of way.

The sign is being commissioned with the help of one of Britain's oldest rights of way organisations, the Peak and Northern Footpaths Society (PNFS) a crowdfunding site has been set on social media where people are invited to contribute towards the cost.

The sign will be placed at the top of Winter Hill.

In 1996, to mark the centenary of the 'Battle for Winter Hill' a memorial stone was laid by the descendants of those who stood on both sides of the dispute.

The stone marks the path, off Coal Pit Road, as being "dedicated as a public right of way for the enjoyment of all."

The Peak and Northern Footpaths Society, is a registered charity and the oldest regional footpaths society in the UK, covering the North West and the North Midlands.

It's origins can be traced back to "The Manchester Association for the Preservation of Ancient Footpaths" of 1826.

Those who contribute to the fundraiser will be named at a special exhibition to be staged in Spring to showcase the artwork and displays from the march and the family day held at Smithills Hall.

To contribute to the fundraiser visit https://www.facebook.com/donate/904901183542433/904901210209097/?sfnsn=scwspmo