Guided tours with a difference - that's the aim of a new business venture in Colchester.

Jan Robinson and Cheryl Aradia , the women behind Stepaside, run an alternative lifestyle business in Eld Lane.

They want their Suffolk and Essex tours to have an emphasis on folklore and the countryside, as well as history.

A medieval Saints and Sinners walk round Colchester on Easter Monday, March 28 launches their programme of weekly visits.

Trips being arranged include Mistley and Manningtree for a talk on Matthew Hopkins, the Witchfinder General, and the Woodbridge area of Suffolk to learn more about Raedwald, King of the East Angles.

Mrs Robinson said: "Romantic stories of local lovelorn and heroes long-forgotten, bodies in suitcases on wild heaths, the quirks and customs are still evident today when you know where to look. Dull and boring is certainly off the intinerary.

"There are so many hidden facts and figures about the Colchester area and Suffolk. People can also learn about the countryside and see what it has to offer."

The March 28 event runs from 11am to 4pm, and costs £10. For more details or to book, drop into Igigi in Colchester's Eld Lane or e-mail: astepaside@gmail.com

Published Wednesday March 2, 2005

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