A PENSIONER has been recognised for his efforts after notching up an impressive 1,000 hours as a walk leader

Dave Scott, 73, volunteered for the council’s Walk About In Hartlepool programme when it began in 2011 and since then has led hundreds of walks around the borough, introducing people to walking for fitness and pleasure.

To mark his milestone, he was presented with a Hartlepool Council Volunteer Award by Louise Wallace, the council’s Director of Public Health, at Summerhill country park, where some of his walks take place.

Mr Scott, who lives in Hartlepool, said: “I had never previously thought of volunteering, but once you get into it it gives you a real boost and a sense of achievement – you are helping other people and by getting out and about you are helping yourself as well."

For more information about the walks programme, search for ‘Walk About In Hartlepool’ on www.hartlepool.gov.uk