A three-mile walk around Tunstall, near Wolsingham, on Sunday is the latest in a series of Wear Walking for Health events leading up to the Great North Walk on July 13.

At least three dozen people are expected to follow the reservoir route, which has been developed through Northumbrian Water's leisure programme.

Claire Sharp, the company's business services manager, said: "We are not just a water company, we are also providing leisure facilities at our reservoirs throughout the region.

"The Tunstall walk is one of a number which are open for people to get out into the open and enjoy.

"Walking is free and the whole family can join in. It encourages people to take exercise and keep fit."

Northumbrian Water supports The Northern Echo's Chance to Live campaign in partnership with Wear Valley District Council and the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust.

This aims to encourage people to take more exercise and eat healthily in an effort to improve Wear Valley's poor record on heart disease.

Walking for Health project officer Lynn Wilson has devised a monthly programme of walks and hopes people will use them to explore parts of the district they have not visited before.

Sunday's walk starts from the reservoir's picnic area. Participants are asked to meet at 9.45am, and the walk will set off at 10am.

For more information, contact Ms Wilson at Crook Civic Centre, on (01388) 765555.

For information about reservoir walks and other Northumbrian Water leisure facilities call the company's leisure line, on 0870 240 3549.