EAST Devon's popular 'Walk This Way' scheme has gained Natural England Accreditation.

The scheme, which encourages people of all ages and abilities to walk for their health, was awarded the status last week in recognition of its high standard of guided health walks.

Stella Goddard, Walk for Health Programme Manager, explains: "The new accreditation will inform supporters, participants, partners and funders alike that the individual scheme is worth being involved with and is part of a bigger whole that is properly and robustly evaluated".

To celebrate their new accreditation and to thank all those volunteers who give up their time to help others stay fit and active, a celebration lunch and walk was held in Colaton Raleigh this Monday (24th). A band of 30 walkers, including volunteer leaders, managers and Leisure East Devon staff enjoyed a leisurely walk along the River Otter, followed by a well deserved lunch. Special thanks was paid to volunteer walk managers Jackie Dadds, Brian Webber and Lauren Dunlop Humphrey, who have all undergone national 'Walking the Way to Health' training, as well as training in first aid and resuscitation.

The 'Walk for Health' programme in Devon and Cornwall has gone from strength to strength, and the work of its volunteers enables over 2000 people each year to walk regularly and enjoy the benefits of accessing the natural environment. Leisure East Devon (LED) introduced the 'Walk This Way' scheme in 2001, and now offers four health walks per week in the Exmouth, Axe Valley and Sid Valley areas.