EXTRA cash is boosting the fight against heart disease by setting more people on the path to healthy living.

The Countryside Agency has increased its funding to Wear Valley District Council's three-year programme, which encourages people to stay fitter by walking more.

The money will pay for Wear Walking for Health project officer Lynn Wilson to spend four days a week instead of three developing exercise initiatives and planning new walking routes.

Her programme of led walks starts on Sunday in Bishop Auckland.

Thousands of people are expected to join in the Great North Walk from Wolsingham on Sunday, July 13.

The agency offered the help after The Northern Echo teamed up with the council, The Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and Northumbrian Water to devote a year to extending its Chance to Live campaign in the Wear Valley.

Health Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn launched the partnership at Bishop Auckland Town Hall in November.

By then, Ms Wilson had already recruited 32 walk leaders and had encouraged children and adults to join in a Ton Up Challenge to work towards a target of walking 100 miles, 100 minutes or 100 laps of the Peases West athletics track, near Crook.

Max Coleby, the council's head of community and cultural services, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the Countryside Agency has recognised the value of Wear Walking to Health. It is great that they are giving us some extra resources."

Lorraine Honeybell, from the Countryside Agency, said the extra cash would encouraging businesses, schools and disabled groups to join in.

Sunday's walk starts at 10am from the entrance to Auckland Castle. There is a choice of one or three mile routes along the Bishop Auckland to Brandon Walkway.

No dogs are allowed, apart from guide dogs.

The Northern Echo will be publishing entry forms for the Great North Walk over the next few weeks. Contact the council for details on (01388) 765555.