FOOTBALL legend Malcolm MacDonald has stepped out to launch a programme of walks aimed at promoting healthier living.

The football pundit and former Newcastle United player helped to kickstart the Derwentside Doorsteps scheme in St Stephen's Church Hall, South Stanley, last week.

He gave a talk to schoolchildren on the benefits of walking to health, followed by a walk through the Green Corridor and Stanley Burn Wood.

The programme will offer a range of walks across the district throughout the spring and summer. It follows a successful pilot scheme held last year.

It aims to get 5,000 people to take part in the walks, which are no longer than three miles and are suitable for all ages and abilities.

There will be a programme of 16 led walks, together with a set of independent walk maps that will be published later in the year.

The project is part of the Walking the Way to Health Initiative, that aims to get more people walking, especially those who do little exercise or live in areas of poor health. It is a joint effort by Groundwork West Durham, Derwentside District Council and Derwentside Primary Care Trust.

The first walk will be along the Lanchester Valley on May 14, stopping at Malton Picnic Site on the way.

For further details call (01207) 693202.