TELEVISION gardener Simon Cross was in Middlesbrough yesterday to launch a scheme aimed at encouraging people to keep fit through walking.

The Healthy Living in Middlesbrough Initiative, which is helping restore allotments, has created four walks suitable for families.

The presenter of The Whole Nine Yards programme joined Councillor Barry Coppinger on the first walk from Pallister Park Leisure Centre.

He said: "I am very impressed with this project. It provides allotment plots for the community and school use, helps people grow their own healthy food and also shows people that there are lots of opportunities to go cycling or walking round allotments. They are a little bit of countryside on your doorstep."

About 4,000 people have become involved in Healthy Living projects, which have created 13 jobs and led to £300,000 being invested in the community.