A Newton Aycliffe care centre is launching a series of health walks around the town in the New Year.

The Pioneering Care Partnership and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers have joined forces for the scheme.

Organiser Janet Price said: "As well as improving health, there will be the opportunity to meet people and maybe make new friends so there's a social side to it."

The scheme is part of the national Walking the Way to Health initiative, run by the Countryside Agency and the British Heart Foundation.

The full programme will be finalised early next year, and the walk in Newton Aycliffe will be launched on January 24 from the Pioneering Care Centre. For details call Janet Price on (01325) 321234, or the Princess Royal Trust on (01325) 313123.