BROMSGROVE District Council has appointed its first walking co-ordinator to help residents adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Steve Barlow's main task will be to set up 12 walks between half-a-mile and three miles long throughout the district.

Mr Barlow will be based in the information centre at Sanders Park in Bromsgrove and is busy looking for volunteer walk leaders to help him in his work.

"We want to encourage people to get out and walk, especially those with heart disease and those who have had heart attacks or strokes," said Mr Barlow, himself a keen walker.

"The idea is to set up a programme of led walks, both in and around the town and out into the countryside, to improve people's health.

"By holding them on a regular basis we hope to make them an enjoyable social event during which where people can meet and make new friends.

"The first walks will be launched next spring and we will publish a list of them so that if anyone wants to go it alone they will be able to do so."

Anyone interested in becoming a walk leader should contact Mr Barlow on 01527 832148.

Successful candidates will be given training, including first aid.