A NEW initiative is being unveiled today to encourage people to pull on their walking boots and step out.

Hartlepool Borough Council's sports development team is launching a series of leaflets promoting walks around the town. The 12 leaflets are inside a glossy folder.

The walks range from two-and-a-half miles to nine miles and each leaflet gives a full description of the route and a map.

The leaflets form part of the Walking the Way to Health initiative which is being promoted by the Countryside Agency and the British Heart Foundation.

A survey of residents carried out last year by the council revealed that people felt more information should be available about local walks.

David Griffiths, the council's outdoor activities officer, said: "This is the first time that we have produced a series of leaflets covering all of the rights of way throughout the town. The walks take in some beautiful areas, and it is important that local people are aware of where they are.

"Walking is a great way of keeping fit, and hopefully the new leaflets will encourage more people to exercise on a regular basis."

The leaflets will be available from today at the Central Library, Civic Centre, Summerhill, and from the sports development team at Wynyard House, Wynyard Road.

For further information, contact the sports development team on (01429) 284050.