A NEW organisation, which aims to encourage couch potatoes to get on their feet and walk, has been awarded a £45,000 grant from the Countryside Agency.
The Hambleton Strollers will be able to use the cash to employ a field worker - and, once someone is in post, the organisation aims to publicise walking routes for all ages and abilities, setting off from every leisure centre and doctors surgery across the district.
The initiative was inspired by the growing number of deaths caused by coronary heart disease.
"We hope to launch our Walking To Health project towards the end of the year," said group chairman Dave Goodwin.
"To get the ball rolling, we have already organised some pilot walks around the district and we have been delighted with the response so far.''
The first leaves Thirsk Swimming Pool at 11am on Thursday. The next sets off from the Great Ayton Tourist Information Centre at the same time on Thursday, September 5, and the last, also at 11am, leaves Bedale Market Cross on Thursday, September 19.
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