VOLUNTEERS are being sought as part of a drive to get Darlington residents more active.

Groundwork North East is carrying out community audits on behalf of Darlington Council to find out what is stopping people from walking in their ward and what more can be done to encourage walkers.

Once the results are in, the council could take steps including installing dropped kerbs and more seating, organising ‘clean-up days’ and highlighting walking opportunities through referrals to Local Motion resources and walking groups.

The initiative, called Think It – Change It – Do It, needs people to volunteer to become ‘walk champions’ who will be trained up with a view to leading walks around their area.

Residents are also being asked to fill in an online questionnaire on their views of walking in the borough, and have the chance of winning £50 Go Outdoors vouchers for their completed submission.

The survey can be found at surveymonkey.com/s/ThinkitChangeitDoit and anyone interested in becoming a walk leader should contact Lizzy Donkin on 01642-815663.