BEFORE stepping out into the County Durham countryside to complete yesterday's Great North Walk, hundreds of people transformed their lifestyles in preparation.

The ten-mile walk in Weardale was a key feature of The Northern Echo, Wear Valley District Council, Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and Northumbrian Water's A Chance To Live campaign.

It acted as a personal goal for hundreds of people in the district and provided the motivation many needed to stick to a regular exercise routine.

Two schemes run by the district council have provided the structured physical activity needed to strengthen muscles and improve the health of participants' hearts and lungs, to make the route achievable.

A scheme called Physically Active for Life Seniors (Pals) introduced local walks to its programme as a form of regular exercise for older residents.

And many people joined the Wear Walking For Health scheme, a programme of led-walks around the district, as training for yesterday's event.

Wear Walking for Health co-ordinator, Lynn Wilson, said: "More people started going on the led-walks as preparation for the Great North Walk.

"It is surprising how quickly someone starts to feel better once they take up walking, and regular brisk walks as a stepping stone to a bigger challenge.

"Quite a few people from Pals gradually increased the distance they were walking, and built the confidence to try a longer walk."

One walking group was formed in preparation for yesterday.

Teacher Jill Hilditch and class mentor Mel Hutchinson, of St Joseph's Primary School, Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, started the weekly after-school club for pupils and residents of Coundon and Leeholme.

Every Wednesday, nearly 30 pupils and a dozen adults turn out to explore the pathways around the school.

Mrs Hilditch said: "We started because some of the members were aiming to complete the Great North Walk, but it has become bigger than that.

"In just a few weeks, the children who were dragging their feet at the back of the group started to enjoy walking and have got much quicker and stronger.

"They really enjoy it and it is a nice way to get several generations exercising together."

Mrs Hutchinson said: "We started a bronze, silver and gold award scheme for completing so many miles, but we are going to have to introduce a diamond award because the children are so keen to walk further and get fitter.

"When they improve their physical fitness, they are much happier and more alert.

"The Great North Walk was brilliant motivation, but now we will continue walking and getting healthier."