SMOKERS, diabetics, asthmatics and overweight people who seek help from their doctors are to be offered an unexpected treatment - a walk in the woods.

Health chiefs have appointed a woodland walks co-ordinator, whose job it is to get hundreds of overweight and out-of-condition patients fit again.

If successful, the scheme - funded by the Forestry Commission - could become a nationwide action plan.

Health chiefs in Gateshead, who came up with the idea in conjunction with the commission, say a woodland walk is the perfect prescription for health.

Amanda Potts, health promotion manager for Gateshead Primary Care Trust, said: "The last thing you may want to do if you are unfit or overweight is go to a gym or visit the swimming pool.

"A walk in the woods is far less intimidating if you are a bit self-conscious. We think people are more likely to keep it up if they feel comfortable."

The scheme is part of a Government "green road map" for the North-East published yesterday. Other goals include:

* creating at least 500 acres of new woodland planted with thousands of trees by 2008;

* working with developers to add parks and trees in new business parks and housing developments;

* creating new wild-life havens;

* restoring run down woodlands;

* producing wood for renewable energy.

Jonathan Blackie, regional director of the Government Office for the North-East, said: "This strategy will make a real difference to people's lives, showing where trees and woods can make the greatest contribution."

Copies of the document are available online, at www.go-ne.gov.uk