Health workers taking steps to encourage more walking

HEALTH workers have urged people to take part in a programme of walks which attracted more than 100 people to its first event earlier this month.

The Get Doncaster Walking Festival 2011 began on Sunday January 9 as over 116 walkers took part in a four-and-a-half mile hike at Sandall Beat Wood.

Janice Clapton from Doncaster took part and said it had been an enjoyable morning, adding: "It was the first time I had walked all the way around Sandall Beat Wood and I was surprised to discover so many paths which I hadn't walked before.

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"It was great to see so many people at the walk and there was a really fun and sociable atmosphere."

Dr Tony Baxter, Doncaster's director of public health said: "I would encourage people to take steps to improve their health by joining the walks.

"Walking is a fantastic way to improve your physical activity and can be a fun, sociable way to see the sights of Doncaster.

"By taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day, you will help to reduce your risk of developing chronic health problems like coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other major diseases."

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Anyone interested in taking part in the festival can pick up a leaflet from local leisure and customer service centres, libraries or GPs surgeries.

The booklet is also available from the council's website at www.doncaster.gov.uk/walking

Each walk listed in the booklet sets out the date and time, the distance, a brief description of the walk and any special requirements. No dogs are allowed on any of the walks.