CANCER Research is calling on people in the North East to sign up to its latest fundraiser and help beat cancer by increasing exercise.

The charity says latest figures reveal 28 per cent of people in the region are getting less than 30 minutes exercise a week. Their latest bid to raise money is Walk All Over Cancer, getting sponsored to walk 10,000 steps a day.

Lisa Millett from Cancer Research said: “For many of us, the start of a new year is a great time to commit to be more active. We are asking people to get sponsored to walk 10,000 steps a day in March. So there’s plenty of time for supporters to start building up to the challenge and planning new ways to fit in some extra steps, from getting off the bus early to organising walks with family and friends.

"Not only will taking on the challenge help raise money, it has health benefits as well. Moderate exercise can help build stamina, burn calories and keep a healthy body weight, which reduces the risk of 13 different types of cancer. Walking also has many positive effects on both the body and mind. It can help generate a sense of well-being encouraging people to think more creatively.

"There are over 200 types of cancer we need continued investment in research to help find new ways to prevent and treat them. That’s why we need people to step up and Walk All Over Cancer." Go to cruk.org/walkallover