Two North East twin sisters have seen a huge outpouring of support after they set up a free-to-attend walking group late last year.

Aga Opie and Ela Dziadula, 34, set up the North East Walking Group in October 2023, and since then have welcomed over 8,000 members to their online community which holds at least one walk per day.

The pair, both from Stockton, set up the group with the aim of bringing people together to explore new places and meet new people.

The Northern Echo: Twin sisters Aga Opie and Ela Dziadula, 34.Twin sisters Aga Opie and Ela Dziadula, 34. (Image: NORTH EAST WALKING GROUP)

Previous destinations have included walks along the North Yorkshire moors as well as around Teesside and the coast, with a team of volunteers taking time to organise each one.

"When we started, we wanted to get out more - and we really didn't expect it to grow this big," said Aga.

"We realised that there was a lot of demand for it. More and more people kept joining and were really enjoying the walks. 

The Northern Echo: North East Walking Group.North East Walking Group. (Image: NORTH EAST WALKING GROUP)

"We ended up having to expand the team and get more moderators on the group to help us organise these events, and we now have at least one walk a day."

Following success with their walks, the sisters decided to expand and create new groups including the North East Social Group and North East Outdoors Group.

The social group has so far seen members meet up for nights out, trips to the cinema as well as coffee mornings and meals out.

Outdoor activities have seen sporty members take on paddle boarding, camping, beach yoga and even zip lining.

The Northern Echo: North East Walking Group.North East Walking Group. (Image: NORTH EAST WALKING GROUP)

Aga added: "We're trying to spread the group further up north, but we already have members from around the region of all ages.

"We keep getting amazing feedback from everyone who has said it has improved their wellbeing and mental health, they say they have made friends for life.

"We try to make sure everyone is welcome and we're always eager to gain new members. We want people to know you can always get out and do things."

The Northern Echo: North East Walking Group.North East Walking Group. (Image: NORTH EAST WALKING GROUP)

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As the group continues to grow, Aga says the support "keeps her going".

She added: "It's amazing to have created something like this and it keeps us motivated to organise events like this for people - they are always so grateful and I think it has improved our well-being as well.

"I also want to thank our moderators Rob Stockil, Emma Cutler, Joe Clough, Catherine Brown, Laura Cleasby and Bev Shaw who help keep the group going."