Pilgrimage trail to help draw in visitors to historic churches

According to a council report, Halifax Minster, the Methodist and Anglican churches in Heptonstall and the old and new Baptist churches in Hebden Bridge are just a few of the important places of worship that could attract visitors.

They include the imposing Unitarian Church in Todmorden, the 18th century St Peter's Church, Sowerby, the magnificent All Souls' Church at Boothtown and many of the 180 other churches and ecclesiastical buildings listed as being of historic or architectural importance.

The idea of a Calderdale pilgrimage trail has been put forward as part of a review of the area's tourist attractions which will soon lead to a new tourism board being set up.

The council has spent six months researching the local tourist trade which they estimate to be worth 250m-a-year to the local economy.

The industry, which supports 4,200 jobs, is growing by more than five per cent a year as more families choose to holiday at home rather than abroad.

Calderdale Council communities director Robin Tuddenham said: "The changing structure and support for tourism locally and regionally now provides the opportunity to implement key actions to enhance the tourist economy said.

"A local tourist board consisting of public, private and third-sector local initiatives represents the district at a regional level ensuring funding opportunities are sourced and pursued.''

Based on the research findings Mr Tuddenham has compiled a blueprint to drive forward tourism development during the next 18 months.

As well as cashing in on Calderdale's heritage and religious tourism it proposes promoting extreme sports and attracting more visitors to the borough's festivals.

Calderdale has a rich architectural heritage for visitors to explore too. In Halifax there is the refurbished Somerset House to admire as well as the historic Piece Hall and Shibden Hall.

More than three million visitors go to Calderdale every year and if just one-in-10 could be persuaded to stay overnight it would generate more than 50m.