A PILOT scheme to help make Shildon residents healthier and more active could be rolled out into other areas.

The Health Express is being run by Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership.

At present the project is operating a weekly walking group from Shildon library, but it also has plans to create a Nordic walking and a cycling session.

Lyndsey Thomason, a Health Express co-ordinator, said: “It’s a scheme set up with partner groups to help promote a healthier life in Shildon.

“We could roll out the Health Express across the county. We’re looking at it going to Bishop Auckland next.”

The walking group sets off for a free one-hour session from the library each Monday at 10.30am.

The cycling group is set to begin in March at the Jubilee Fields and the Nordic walking is timetabled for an April start with the details of these events still being finalised.

A wellness survey is also being run in the town by the AAP. Residents can receive a health check with the results being tested against the national average.

Participants are then re-tested the following year to see if there has been any change.

Details on the AAP schemes can be obtained from Lyndsey Thomason on 03000-267206 or via Lyndsey.thomason@durham.gov.uk