GET walking, your life could depend on it - that's the message of a £500,000 health campaign being launched in the North-East.

The Walking the Way to Health project, announced yesterday aims to get people on their feet and out on the street in a bid to reduce the region's high incidence of heart disease.

Up to half a million pounds worth of grants and advice will be available in the North-East to support walking schemes across the region - with an emphasis on the most deprived communities.

Heart and circulatory disease is the UK's biggest killer, and our death rates are amongst the highest in the world.

In some parts of the North-East, deaths from these causes are extremely high and it is hoped that the regional campaign to get people walking will help to drive down those figures.

Medical experts say brisk walking is an ideal way to stay fit and exercise the heart, but latest figures suggest that most people do not take enough exercise.

But while the scheme is backed by Government's medical advisors the organisation behind the walking programme - the Countryside Agency - has been warned that they face an uphill task in motivating the people they want to reach.

A walking scheme set up in the Hemlington area of Middlesbrough earlier this year has attracted support from people outside the target area, but very few from Hemlington.

The Walking the Way to Health project is a partnership between the Countryside Agency and the British Heart foundation.

Funding has come from the New Opportunities Fund and Kia Cars.

Amanda Earnshaw, senior countryside officer with the Countryside Agency in the North-East, said: "Today's lifestyle discourages many people from being active. At least seven in ten people don't take enough exercise to benefit their health."

Walking is an ideal form of exercise because it is so practical, she said.

It doesn't cost anything and it doesn't need any special equipment.

"People are more likely to start walking and keep it up when they have fun, enjoy their surroundings and walk with other people," she added.

Groups interested in setting up their own walking scheme should contact Lorraine Honeybell on 0191-269 1600, or by e-mail on: Lorraine.Honeybell