MANAGERS at a Newton Aycliffe factory are leading the way for companies across the region by encouraging employees to walk their way to a healthier life.

The 3M Aycliffe plant's health committee has identified a series of walks of up to 1.5 miles, two of which will be staged every Friday to help stimulate enthusiasm in regular exercise.

The launch of the walks followed a questionnaire circulated by the committee which found there were about 150 people at the plant interested in taking part.

Committee member Martyn Harvey said: "The routes for these walks have been specially selected to suit everyone of varying levels of fitness and give them the opportunity to enjoy some moderate exercise in the company of colleagues."

Walk Your Way to Health is a national programme promoted by the Countryside Agency and the British Heart Foundation, and is supported in this area by Sedgefield Borough Council and the local NHS Primary Care Trust.

The borough's health walks project leader, Jim Nutt, said he hoped many other companies would follow 3M's example.

He said: "3M is certainly one of the leaders in promoting a workplace scheme of this kind in the North-East and I am sure their participation will produce benefits for employees and the company."

Newton Aycliffe is also one of a number of areas within Sedgefield borough to have its own local health walking group.

The group is based at the Pioneering Care Centre. More details from Gill McNab on (01325) 321234.