PEOPLE seeking a healthy but leisurely way of blowing away some of the festive excess are being urged to join up with the Hambleton Strollers.

The group plans a series of bracing walks around the district during the early part of the new year.

Most walks start at 10.30am and are for anyone, of any age, who wants to stretch their legs and feel the benefit of exercise in the company of others.

There are walks around all the market towns, as well as Great Ayton and Hutton Rudby.

In Easingwold, walks alternate between a start from the Galtres Centre and a walk in the villages of Stillington, Tollerton and Coxwold. Lifts are available from Millfield Surgery at 10am.

Leaflets detailing the walks are available in doctors' surgeries, leisure centres, tourist centres and libraries or by calling (01609) 767276.