AN oak tree is to be planted to celebrate both local talent and the success of one particular rural tourism company.

Guests including Lord and Lady Margadale, Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of South West Tourism, Andrew Murrison MP, representatives of the Wildlife Trust, Sustainability Managers and local tourism bosses will be at the ceremony at Berwick St Leonard on September 15.

The event has been organised by Foot Trails, a firm run by Alison and David Howell which encourages encourage visitors to enjoy Wiltshire's and surrounding counties countryside on foot in as responsible way as possible.

Foot Trails is calling on other local businesses to consider their impact on local communities and the countryside in their business planning. Foot Trails was honoured recently at No 10 Downing Street with a reception to celebrate its achievement of a Big Tick Award, awarded by Business in the Community.

Mrs Howell said:" The oak tree is an enduring English tree. It grows steadily but surely each year, supporting a huge variety of life and can live to be over 200 years old. From small acorns, great things can grow, and by combining sustainable business principles with good business practice, we can be sure of building a tourism business that will achieve its aims whilst being of benefit to its local communities.

" With reports of challenging times ahead, we want to celebrate achievement and demonstrate how important a sustainable approach is in business."

Twenty-five guests will join the Foot Trails team for a welcome reception and displays at their new rural office, followed by the planting of the oak and a short walk across local countryside to enjoy refreshments and networking at one of the local tourism business Foot Trails works with, the Riverbarn Cafe.