MEET Wales’ oldest walk leader – Charlie Berry, who is celebrating his 90th birthday this week.

At the grand age of 89, Charlie, of Borras, has been hailed as being the oldest walk leader in Wales through his roles with Walkabout Wrexham and District and the Ramblers Association.

Walkabout Wrexham and District is a group which regularly organises a series of walks encouraging the public to get out and enjoy the fresh air.

Charlie’s speciality is guiding people around a route in the Erddig area.

Charlie, who served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, has always had a love of nature, but due to the demands of his busy working life as a railway technician for some 40 years, he wasn’t able go walking as much as he would have liked.

However, after retiring Charlie was delighted that at last he had enough time to take to the hills and mountains on a regular basis.

He built up a vast amount of experience trekking through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Now suffering with arthritis, he is unable to take to the mountains like he used to but he continues his love of walking by guiding others.

Charlie, who will be 90 on Friday, said: “Unfortunately I have arthritis now and I’m not able to walk the mountains as I used to.

“But I still like to keep active and I am satisfied with what I can do. I have an artificial knee on my left leg and artificial hip on my right.

“I thoroughly enjoy being walk leader. People are very appreciative and it is nice when they thank me, saying how much they enjoyed themselves.”

Bill Stephens, the chairman of Walkabout Wrexham and District, said Charlie was a true gentleman who was very popular with everyone.

Charlie is now looking forward to a special treat on the weekend of his birthday.

He is president of the Wrexham Ramblers Club and will be going with them to the Wirral for a walk followed by a meal on the way back.