One of the signs provided with money from the Bradbury Bequest

Walkers will be able to find their way around footpaths thanks to the foresightedness of a man who died more than 50 years ago.

Benefactor Herbert Lucas Bradbury left £1,500 in trust at his death in 1959 to be used for signposts on public footpaths around Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

The Open Spaces Society administers the Bradbury Bequest which covers erection and maintenance of signposts within a six-mile radius of Cheltenham post office and Gloucestershire Ramblers have arranged for new signs to be put up. Area footpath secretary Tony Drake was a key player in the scheme until his recent retirement.

Doug Houston, footpath secretary of the Ramblers’ Mid Gloucestershire Group, said: “Last autumn the county council’s public rights of way department erected 12 more signs for us, showing destination and distance clearly marked.

“Speaking on behalf of Tony Drake and myself, we are grateful that the original bequest from a local businessman back in 1959 is still providing useful guidance for all walkers in our area.”