A SCHEME encouraging residents to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle has celebrated its first birthday.

The Walking the Way to Health scheme at the Arrow Valley Countryside Centre has been increasing in popularity over the last year and now attracts up to 50 weekly walkers.

The initiative, launched by the Countryside Agency and the British Heart Foundation, aims to introduce people to walking and gentle exercise.

Walks leader Nick Martin said: "Arrow Valley Country Park seemed tailored made to host a health walks programme but even so we have been surprised and delighted with the way the walks have taken off."

He added: "We have heard that people who rarely did any exercise before last year have been really bitten by the bug and are away exploring the wider countryside.

"We've also seen real improvements in some of our walkers, particularly those recovering from illness or operations who before struggled to complete the full walk but are now clamouring for longer routes!"

The free one-hour walks leave the Battens Drive Centre every Monday at 11am and usually cover about 3.5 miles.

For more details, call Mr Martin on 464000.