THURROCK people are being urged to walk their way to healthier lifestyles.

Short walks, open to all members of the public, have been organised free of charge throughout the borough.

Walking the way to health is a joint intitiative between Thurrock Council and South West Essex Primary Care Trust.

Leading the inaugural walk on Monday was volunteer Jon Lane, 56, of Walpole Road, Grays.

He said: "We want to make this a regular leg stretch on Mondays. It's good for the environment and it helps to make us healthy and happy.

"The idea is to be able to walk and talk comfortably, slowly increase the pace, a bit like changing gear in the car then decrease as we return."

Those interested in taking part in any of the Thurrock walks can do so by simply turning up at the meeting point 20 minutes before the walk starts to register.

A form will need to be filled in for health and safety reasons. To find out more about the walks or to volunteer as a walk leader contact Liz Ulph at the PCT healthy living team on 01708 805086 or by email to elizabeth.ulph@swessexpct.nhs.uk Walking the way to health timetable:-

Monday: Thurrock Council, Civic Offices, New Road, Grays (Meet at main reception, ground floor) 12.30pm.

Tuesday: Blackshots Leisure Centre, Blackshots Lane, Grays (Meet at the steps by the entrance) 10.30a.m.

Tuesday Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury Village (Meet at the Rangers Office) 2pm.

Every fortnight on Wednesdays: Tilbury, Civic Square (Meet at Police Station) 4pm.

Thursday: RSPB Centre, New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet (Meet at the centre) 12.15pm.

Friday: Chafford Hundred Gorges Nature Park, Drake Road, Chafford Hundred (Meet at the centre) 9.30am.

Friday: Pumping Station, Davy Down Riverside Park, off Pilgrims Lane, North Stifford. 1.30pm.