A WALKING group has trained two new leaders in a bid to encourage more people to get fit and active.

Willington Community Action (WCA) walking group was set up to get residents to take part in more physical activity, as part of Durham County Council’s Walk4Life campaign and the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support Walking for Health scheme,

The latest walk leaders took part in a training course last month at County Hall in Durham City. They now join the existing walk leader to deliver the program to tailor it to the needs of the group.

Newly qualified leader, Matthew Todd, WCA’s development and funding officer, said: “The benefits of walking are absolutely massive. Statistics show that by walking for 150 minutes per week you can extend your life expectancy by up to five years.

“It’s also socially beneficial; the group all chat and catch up. They talk about the community and how it’s changed and share stories.

“The health, environmental and social benefits make it a fantastic for people to get involved in.”

The weekly walk leaves at 9:30am on Friday mornings from the WCA centre, at 65 High Street, and last between 60 and 90 minutes.