A WALKING scheme in Tavistock which helps people improve their health and find new friends is celebrating its fifth birthday.

Tavistock Walk and Talk is co-ordinated by West Devon Borough Council with funding from NHS Devon and encourages people to increase their physical activity by taking part in led walks in the local community. 

Since the project started in 2007, many friendships have been formed on the walks, giving often isolated and lonely people the chance to socialise and improve their wellbeing.

The walks are currently led by locally-based, trained volunteers.

Cllr Robert Oxborough, chairman of the council's community services committee, said: 'I'm delighted that Tavistock Walk and Talk has gone from strength to strength in the last five years.

'Walks are free and anyone can join in at anytime. There are short and moderate walks so you can get involved whatever your level of fitness.

'There's even a mystery car-share walk once a month.'

Kate Wright, the council's Walk and Talk co-ordinator, said: 'New walkers are most welcome and we always need new volunteers. 

'There are also Walk and Talk schemes in Okehampton, Broadwoodkelly and Horrabridge. We hope the success of Walk and Talk in West Devon will inspire other local communities to start their own.'

There is a walk to celebrate the fifth birthday of Tavistock Walk and Talk on Tuesday, September 11.

It starts at 10.30am from outside The Wharf.  New walkers, regular walkers and volunteer leaders are invited to join in and share some birthday cake!