DOZENS of people have been reaping the benefits from healthy walks in Castle Point.

The Walk Tall scheme has been organised by Castle Point Council and the Primary Care Trust, giving people an opportunity to improve their health, while enjoying the sights of the borough.

To make the scheme accessible to as many people as possible, the walks are free.

There are two 30-minute walks, one running on a Monday lunchtime from Waterside field in Somnes Avenue, Canvey, and the other starting from the Labworth car park, on Canvey seafront, every Wednesday morning.

Freddy Lipscombe, 73, helps to lead the walks on Canvey seafront and knows just how life-changing the programme can be.

He said: “I used to have very little or no exercise at all. Then after my second heart attack, ten years ago, they told me about a fitness programme and I haven’t looked back since. I enjoy life so much more now.

“On a lovely summer’s day there can be as many as 40 people joining our walks. Even in mid-winter between ten and 15 people come along. We have a chat on the way and some of us stop for a cup of tea at a cafe afterwards.

“The exercise has done wonders for me. What would have happened if I had gone on with my life as it was before? Well, if you had gone to the cemetery on the corner you would have seen my gravestone. I would probably be there by now.”

The Walk Tall programme has just become affiliated to Castle Point Sports Council, where it hopes to boost its profile and work with other groups in the borough to help improve the health of residents.

Mr Lipscombe added: “Walking makes so much difference to the health of people taking part – I’m not the only one seeing the benefits.

“It isn’t just for cardiac patients. You see the difference for people with joint problems too. At first they might be struggling, but soon they find their mobility improves and they can end up as strong as the others.”

Council leader Pam Challis said: “We have a beautiful borough and there are so many lovely places to go for a walk. I’d urge people to get out there and make the most of it. It is good exercise and costs nothing”.

For more information on Walk Tall, call Lita on 01268 694342, the leisure team on 01268 882476 or Kate Clayton at the Trust on 01268 464500.