A COUNCIL chairman took a stroll around Stokesley to launch a healthy walking scheme just weeks after undergoing a double hip replacement operation.

Hambleton District Council chairman Percy Featherstone went for a 40 minute walk around the market town to help promote the Walk for Health initiative.

Organised by the Hambleton Strollers, the scheme aims to promote walking as a way to improve health. Volunteers are setting up a series of easy walks around the district, all starting and ending at a leisure centre or GP surgery.

Councillor Featherstone followed walk leaders, Beryl Turner and Bob Atkinson on the stroll. He was joined by his wife, Margaret, Paul Fisher of Age Concern and the Hambleton Over 50's Forum, and 21 local people.

Walks this month take place on Wednesday, February 12, at Stokesley Health Centre, North Road, Friday, February 14, at Hambleton Forum, Northallerton and on Tuesday, February 18, at Mayford House Surgery, Boroughbridge Road, Northallerton. All walks start at 11am