VOLUNTEER walk leaders are being recruited to help people improve their health and fitness in South Lakeland.

Walking the Way to Health is an initiative of the British Heart Foundation and the Countryside Agency, and aims to get more people walking in their own communities.

The walks will be suitable for everyone, and especially for those who take little exercise or are recovering from health problems.

Funding has been secured thanks to the Countryside Agency, the Lake District Sustainable Development Fund, South Lakeland District Council, Cumbria County Council Neighbourhood Forum, and the Lancaster Canal Northern Reaches Restoration Group.

Volunteer walk leaders are now being recruited to attend a free training day on Friday, June 6, at Kendal Leisure Centre. There will be a launch day walk from the leisure centre on Tuesday, July 1. Walk leaders will be provided with training and support and will lead five walks of half-a-mile to two-and-a-half miles on firm ground in Kendal and Staveley.

To find out more please contact any of the following people:

Mary Neeson, project coordinator c/o Kendal Leisure Centre, Burton Road, Kendal, LA9 7HX, tel 01539-790109, Email leisure.centre@kencomp.net

Jane Robinson, volunteer co-ordinator, Volunteer Centre, Stricklandgate House, Kendal, tel 01539-725005.

Gretl Barrow or Paul Stewart, Kendal Leisure Centre, tel 01539-729511 or 729777.

April 24, 2003 14:30