'Best Foot Forwards'

Lighthouse Project walking group ‘Best Foot Forwards’

'Best Foot Forwards', the new weekly walking group at Middleton's Lighthouse Project, has been popular in its first month.

The scheme, started by engagement worker Carole Sharples and retired Geography teacher Margaret White, has attracted everyone from the elderly to parents with buggies.

The first walk on 26 August took place around Boarshaw and Mills Hill via the canal with 12 participants.

Routes are prepared in advance by a minimum of two trained volunteers to ensure no-one is left behind or lost.

Ms Sharples, said: "This is a great opportunity for people to enjoy some friendly company, and to explore the local area whilst improving their health as well.

"Everyone is welcome no matter what age or ability; this is a great activity that everyone can enjoy and get something out of."

Best Foot Forwards aims to help people of all ages improve their health whilst making new friends and provide accessible local walks.

The group meet each Friday at 12 noon at the Lighthouse Project warehouse on Hilton Fold Lane for a three to five milk walk before returning for lunch. Each route takes up to one-and-a-half hours to complete.

The Lighthouse Project is running in conjunction with Living Well Rochdale and is part of the national Walking for Health scheme by Macmillan Cancer Support and the Ramblers.