Retired Leeds police officer Paul Brown has spent much of the last year creating his own new long-distance route across Yorkshire. The White Rose Way can now be followed by anyone.

The route links sections of existing trails with little-used public footpaths to create an unofficial 104-mile trail between Leeds city centre and the north sea coast at Scarborough. This easy-going walk cuts a cross-section through Yorkshire from Wharfedale and the plains around York, through the Howardian Hills AONB to the North York Moors National Park.

UKHillwalking regular Paul Brown, who served with the Force for 30 years to reach the rank of Inspector before retiring in 2001, is a keen walker who has completed many challenge walks and National Trails, including Yorkshire's Three Peaks a whopping 31 times.

'After years of walking other people's walks, I decided to write my own' he tells us.

He has spent the last twelve months planning, photographing and researching his new route, and producing a self-published guidebook to it. The route is also supported by a website that includes accommodation info.

'This is a varied and interesting trail' Paul says. 'But one of the best aspects of walking for me is the camaraderie of fellow walkers and the hospitality and friendliness of the local Yorkshire people.'

John Blackburn, Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough, will unveil a plaque marking the route's finish line at the Harbourside Tourist Information Centre in Scarborough on Saturday April 14.