A GROUP of slimmers have been taking part in a challenge to walk 50 miles in a week to raise money for a cancer charity.

Nik Corton, from Framwellgate Moor, Durham, led the challenge to try and get people to be more active – as well as getting him in shape for a marathon he is hoping to complete later this year.

About a dozen people joined him on the challenge, which saw him run 10 miles a day around Newton Hall for five days last week.

The event was part of a Slimming World initiative called Golden Body Magic Challenge, which has seen people trying to cover 50 miles through activities like running, walking, swimming, rowing and even hula hooping.

Completing it in two mile laps, other people were invited to join in for as many laps as they wanted.

Mr Corton, who leads the Slimming World Group in Newton Hall, said: "I did it in five two mile laps every day so anyone could join in.

"It's all about encouraging people to be more active because of research showing that even if people are a healthy weight, if they're not active they are still at risk of major diseases."

He added: "Many of Slimming World's Newton Hall members have embraced this challenge and my heartfelt thanks to all of them for their commitment, their endeavour and their inspiration."

Mr Corton, who is in training to do the Snowdon marathon in October, completed a total of 400 miles in August, taking more than 700,000 steps.

Looking back on the week-long 50 miles challenge, he added: " It's been good, surprisingly. The hump of the week was a bit tricky with a few niggles but I got through it."

He has raised more than £250 for Cancer Research UK.

He will be completing the marathon in memory of his uncle, who died of cancer in 2017.

The group used All Saints Church as its base for the challenge and next year Mr Corton said he was hoping to work with the church to put on a family event to encourage healthy living.