FOR the average walker, with a limited knowledge of cattle, these look rather unusual, however, the English Longhorn (pictured) actually originated from Craven. This herd of cows, calves and even a rather splendid bull, were spotted next to a footpath near Hellifield. Not a million miles away, were these equally splendid looking Bluefaced Leicester sheep - known for their distinctive Roman noses, and very curious they were too. My colleague, who took the pictures, tells me she had set out along a track from Otterburn with her two dogs on the hunt for a good walk to feature in the paper, when a farmer came up behind them in an all terrain vehicle on his way to check on some young pheasants. Not for the first time, she was asked if she was indeed the 'lady from the Craven Herald' who does the walks - but it was not she that he recognised, but her handsome and much photographed English Pointer, Bo. And while we're on the subject, she tells me just a few days earlier while out walking in the Forest of Bowland, a hare which had been surprised by a tractor, jumped out in front of her and the sensitive nose of the Pointer. She was literally pulled right off her feet and dragged several inches along the ground by the dog. The driver of the tractor nearly fell out of his cab laughing, so she tells me.

PLENTY of tired walkers will have paused close to the summit of Ingleborough to read about some of the peak's fascinating history - and take the opportunity for a welcome breather. It is difficult to imagine the effort it took to build a hospitality tower at the summit in the early part of the 19th century. Indeed, nowadays, the national park uses helicopters to ferry stone slabs up the peak to restore paths. But built it was, by a landowner as a place for grouse shooters to rest a while and no doubt enjoy some refreshments. According to the information panel (pictured) disgruntled locals took exception to the tower and demolished it - and it was never rebuilt. Which does beg the question, why were the locals so disgruntled?

THE black and white photograph of Skipton High Street, shot from Holy Trinity Church tower and which featured in the history pagers, of August 24, drew the eye of Alan Butterfield of Glusburn.

He pointed out the signature,Walter Scott, at the bottom right hand corner which he informed me was a Bradford-based company, the creator of thousands of postcard of this area. And the number 1807 was likely to be the serial number of the print.

"Scott produced wonderful photographs - just like this one of Skipton High Street and of all over the area, including the Yorkshire Dales," said Alan.

"It's interesting to see how the town hall has changed - the canopy over the front is no longer there. And there are petrol pumps across the street just further up." Other interesting aspects of the photograph we in the office spotted included the horse and trap trundling down the middle of High Street, the so few folk mooching about and the two mysterious bods in white overalls possibly up ladders at the front of the Black Horse. The photograph was sent in by Jean Barnes of Tarn Moor Crescent.

AMONGST all those organising events as part of the Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday, September 29, will be the good people at Sutton Hall and Lodge care home, in Sutton-in-Craven. A selection of coffee, tea, cakes and buns, and a raffle, will take place in the home's large lounge from 10am onwards. All are welcome to the home, which is situated on Cornmill Walk, off Sutton Lane.

OLYMPIAN Andy Triggs Hodge has been honoured by his home village by being given the freedom of the parish of Hebden. Andy, who is pictured with his son, and David Joy, who made the presentation at the recent Hebden Sports event, has been given one scroll to take away, while a second will be framed and be placed in the village institute, for everyone to see. The very symbolic gesture was felt appropriate by councillors to officially mark, for generations to come, this brief moment in time when Andy achieved triple gold. They are indeed, both amazing and inspirational achievements which the parish council felt should be properly acknowledged, and recorded. The exact wording of the scroll reads:

"At a meeting of the council it was unanimously resolved to grant Andrew Triggs Hodge

An esteemed citizen of this parish The honorary

Freedom of the Parish. We the Parish Council grant you the highest honour we can bestow for your exceptional sporting achievements.

Your inspirational Gold Medal wins for

rowing at three Olympic Games brought

great pride to the Parish.

Olympic Gold: 2008 Beijing – Coxless Four (stroke); 2012 London – Coxless Four (stroke);

2016 Rio de Janeiro – Eight (three).

Andy, who now lives down south, will amongst other freedoms, be able to drive his sheep down the village's Main Street.

THE team at Craven Safety Services (pictured, from left, Liz Preston, Buster the pug, Ian Williamson, Freddie the miniature schnauzer, Abi Baker, and Debbie Gomersall) based at Broughton Hall, will shortly be off on their annual charity walk. The team, which in 2015 completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks, has taken part in a fundraising challenge for the last few years and has raised about £1,000 every year for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. This weekend they will be walking four lakes in the Lake District - a distance of about 40 miles. Anyone who would like to support them, and raise vital funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance can donate online at: justgiving.com/fundraising/craven-safety-services. Everyone from the business will be taking part, including the office dogs.