Alston residents are being encouraged to enjoy more of the great outdoors as part of the major Cumbrian healthy living initiative.

Walking for Health is a joint project between the Ramblers, Cumbria County Council and Active Cumbria and funded through the People's Postcode Lottery.

It aims to encourage more Cumbrian residents to enjoy the great outdoors and reap the physical and mental health benefits gentle exercise can bring.

Alston residents can get involved in a Walking for Health event being held on Thursday March 5, starting at 1.30pm at Alston train station. The walk, which covers a 2.5 mile route and will last about 45 minutes, is along flat ground so should be suitable for those with varied mobility.

Dog owners are welcome to bring their four-legged friends along, if they are secured on leads.

For more information about the event, contact Andrea Robinson on 07920 765573.