THOUSANDS of people are set to benefit from a programme of walks aimed at promoting healthier living.

The Derwentside Doorsteps scheme will offer a range of walks across the district throughout the spring and summer. It follows a successful pilot scheme held last year.

Claire Longstaff, the project officer organising the scheme, said: "After a good response from the pilot scheme in 2002, it was felt that people in Derwentside especially those living on their own, had no suitable walking groups in their area.

"Derwentside Doorstep Walks aims to address this issue by holding short manageable walks throughout Derwentside, introducing walking for health as a fun and sociable activity that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their age or ability."

It aims to get 5,000 people to take part in the walks, which are no longer than three miles and are suitable for all ages and abilities.

There will be a programme of 16 led walks, together with a set of independent walk maps that will be published later in the year.

The first walk will be along the Lanchester Valley Walk on May 14. A leaflet with walk dates and venues will be available in doctors surgeries, libraries, leisure centres and community centres or from the Groundwork office at Craghead Village Hall. For further details, call (01207) 693202.