A father-of-two is one of the first to sign up as a volunteer on a 200-mile trail around Greater Manchester.

Russell Rome, from Sale, is part of a team involved in signposting all 20 of the stages of the GM Ringway.

Originally from Dumfries and Galloway, the head of commercial for an energy start-up company said he enjoyed exploring further afield than his day-to-day dog walk at Sale Water Park.

Mr Rome said: "I have been helping out with the way-marking which has been hard work but a lot of fun. I have an interest in sustainable transport, and I am a cyclist, so when I heard about the GM Ringway it sparked my interest as I walk everywhere.

"I walk my beagle, Eddie, around Sale Water Park but now I am exploring other parts of Manchester after I heard about the GM Ringway. What I like about the region is, although it is urban, with a quick hop, skip and a jump you are in the countryside."

Messenger Newspapers: Russell Rome

Andrew Read, GM Ringway lead, said: "We would not be able to achieve all we have set out to do without the help of local people like Russell and we are grateful for the time he is giving us to help with the signposting of the trail. 

"Our objective with the GM Ringway is to bring the benefits of walking, nature and heritage to a wider range of people. We are keen to work with individuals and community groups across Greater Manchester to achieve our goal."

An idea of CPRE, The Countryside Charity and The Ramblers, the 200-mile trail was made possible by support from the National Lottery. 

It takes in the towns of Altrincham, Sale and Stretford as well as other areas such as Dunham Massey, Old Trafford and Sale Water Park.

Previously Tom Ross, the leader of Trafford Council, was one of the first to complete all 20 of the stages. 

For information on the GM Ringway, or for a map of the route, go to gmringway.org. 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.