HEART patients are being encouraged to put their best foot forward to help them make complete recoveries.

An exercise scheme is being launched in the county next month, involving the creation of a network of walks.

The initiative is mainly aimed at heart attack victims, but it also intends to promote the benefits of walking to a wider audience.

It is being developed by South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, Worcestershire County Council, University College Worcester and the Coronary Heart Disease collaborative.

The Countryside Alliance has provided £23,000 of funding for the scheme, a sum that will be matched by each of the groups involved.

Advisers at GP surgeries will suggest how far and how often people should be walking after their heart problems.

The PCT's health improvement project manager, Meryl Johnson-Mair, said many patients felt fearful about taking even moderate exercise after being in hospital.

"It's quite daunting for people who have had heart attacks," she said.

"Getting them on their feet is important.

"Walking is the best way to get people more active in a supervised way."

GP surgeries will be linked to University College Worcester to create a planned and supportive process helping people to improve their physical and mental well-being.

Patients will be encouraged to take part in walking events, before going away to do walks on their own.

Keeping active can produce a range of benefits which enable people to live independent lives for much longer.

Regular, brisk walking burns up to 100kcals a mile, or 300kcals an hour. It can also relieve depression and stress, and help people to sleep better.

Walking two miles a day can reduce men's risk of impotence, heart disease and diabetes, and can reduce high blood pressure.

"We want people to feel supported and encouraged," said Mrs Johnson-Mair.