VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with healthy walking initiatives in Teesdale villages.

The Walking for Life in Teesdale initiative was launched last month in Barnard Castle with a walk around the Bowes Museum.

The event was organised by Teesdale Leisure Services.

Trained walk volunteers lead walkers in their area on a regular basis.

Weekly walks take place in Evenwood and it is hoped similar walks will be held in Barnard Castle and Mickleton in the near future.

Evidence has shown that walking has many health benefits and the Walking for Life initiative was set up by the British Heart Foundation and The Countryside Agency with funding from the Big Lottery.

In Teesdale, it is also funded by Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and SureStart Teesdale.

Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a volunteer, can telephone contact Jacqueline Hehir on 07909 503339.