And now Mr Parker, who lives in Beverley, has received a national honour from the Ramblers' Association.

He was elected into honorary life membership of the association at its annual general council at Winchester University, an honour made only to those who have given outstanding long service to walking and protecting the countryside.

Mr Parker, who is still active in the East Yorkshire and Derwent Area of the Ramblers' Association, served as its chairman for about 22 years until 1995, when he became area countryside secretary until 2005.

He continues to be an active member of the area footpath committee, where his efforts have saved many footpaths for all walkers.

Mr Parker has also helped many other people to share his enthusiasm for rambling, leading hundreds of walks and helping to create the Yorkshire Wolds Way. He also developed the High Hunsley one-day challenge walk, was a founder committee member of the area's Beverley group from 1981 and its chairman from 1990 to 2007, when the group made a presentation to him and his wife, Angela.

He is currently the group's countryside officer, campaigning against indiscriminate wind turbines and working for public access, for instance on Beverley Westwood.

Fellow area member and former RA trustee Peter Ayling said: "Dennis has a vast knowledge of the footpaths and countryside of the East Riding and beyond, and his voluntary work over many years has benefited the whole community. This award is richly deserved."

Mr Parker, who lives in St Matthews Court, was born in Scarborough but has lived in Beverley for about 30 years, returning to Yorkshire after working with Oxford City Council.

A chartered surveyor by profession, he has loved walking since he enjoyed rambles in the Lake District as a teenager. Over the years he has walked thousands of miles and still continues to walk the countryside several times a month.

Some of his favourite areas include the North Yorkshire Moors, the Dales and the Lake District as well as coastal routes such as Flamborough Head. He also particularly enjoys some closer to home. "I think the Yorkshire Wolds are really precious for their peace and solitude," he says.

Useful link:http://www.ramblers.org.uk/