A DOCTOR put his best foot forward to help launch the latest series of health walks with the Hambleton Strollers.

Dr Mike Potrykus took time away from his practice in Tollerton to support the strollers, who set out for their first walk in Easingwold this week.

Three routes have been mapped out around the Easingwold area, with several more in the pipeline, and walk leaders are expecting them to be as popular as those already established in the district.

"I am pleased that the Hambleton Strollers are moving into this area," said district councillor Percy Featherstone, who joined them on the first walk. "I have walked with them before and hope many local people will come out and join the next walk."

The Hambleton Strollers group was set up last year as part of a Walking to Health Initiative and already more than 50 people regularly walk around Northallerton, Stokesley, Hutton Rudby or Great Ayton.

The next two Easingwold walks take place at 10.30am on Monday, August 18, from Millfield Surgery, off Millfield Lane, and on Monday, September 15, from the Galtres Centre. Other walks take place at 10.30am from Bedale Leisure Centre, on Thursday, July 31; and from Thirsk Swimming Pool, on Thursday, August 7.

For more details, call Marion Archer on (01609) 767276.