THE benefits of walking, talking and the outdoors on mental health were demonstrated by a special joint group set up to gather support.

The Up and Running Group which has members from Hambleton District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust met at Cod Beck Reservoir, near Osmotherley, to put into practice the advantages of exercise on wellbeing during World Mental Health Day.

The aim of the campaign is to mobilise efforts to support mental health. David Earl, Hambleton Council's Wellbeing Officer said: "The latest research from Sport England makes clear the mental health benefits of being active. When asked to rate their mental health on a scale of nought to ten, active people reported feeling: more satisfied with their lives, happier, more likely to feel the things they do in life are worthwhile and less anxious.

"Our aim is to give as many people as possible the opportunity to get active in a way that suits themselves.”

Fellow campaigner Glen Hilton from North Yorkshire County Council added: "It's fantastic to see our running and walking group benefit from exercise on a weekly basis. This helps with physical and mental health as well social engagement. We can't put a price on how exercise helps everyone in their daily life."

For more information about the scheme with opportunities to get active call David Earl on 01609 7677202 email david.earl@hambleton.gov.uk