More walk leaders are needed

NEW volunteers are being sought in Ashbourne to lead walkers in a growing activity currently boasting 2,500 participants and underlining the Derbyshire Dales’ status as one of the healthiest places to live in the UK.

Thanks to the Walking For Health project, run by Derbyshire Dales District Council, many previously inactive Dales' people now enjoy brisk, guided walks of around an hour, tailored to raise activity levels and stamina of individuals who have not taken part in exercise for some time.

Councillor Andrew Lewer, chairman of the council's Community and Environment Committee, said: “Schemes such as this rely on local people who are willing to commit a few hours to help with leading the walking groups, and we are always looking for new volunteers.”

“This is a success story, with 600 new participants in the past 12 months. It is notoriously difficult to motivate people to start exercising, but that is exactly what our staff are doing. The walks are free, and the increasing number of people taking part keep telling us how they are benefiting both physically and socially.”

Anyone interested in undertaking a one-day walk leader training course followed by basic first-aid training should contact Derbyshire Dales District Council’s sports development officer, Rob Wilks, on 01629 761381.

A full list of upcoming walks is available on the Derbyshire Dales District Council website at derbyshiredales.gov.uk. New walkers are always welcome. To sign up, simply call or email Rob (rob.wilks@derbyshiredales.gov.uk).