A SCHEME designed to get people in Castle Point exercising regularly has won national recognition.

Walk Tall organisers arrange 30-minute walks from various locations around the borough.

Now Natural England has given Walk Tall, a project set up by Castle Point Council and NHS South East Essex, official accreditation under its healthy walking initiative, called Walking the Way to Health.

Peter Burch, Castle Point councillor responsible for leisure, said: “These walks are an excellent way to improve your health, whatever your level of fitness.

“Its free to take part and he groups are very friendly.”

The result comes as two new Walk Tall routes are being launched.

One sets off from Richmond Hall, High Road, Benfleet, on Monday mornings, while the second walk for mums with buggies and will go from the Labworth Cafe on Canvey seafront on Wednesday mornings.

Current walks include a stroll from Waterside Farm field in Somnes Avenue, Canvey, on Monday lunchtimes; one from the Labworth Cafe, Canvey, on Wednesday mornings, and another from the Salvation Army car park, in the High Road, Hadleigh, on the first and third Friday morning of every month.

For details call Lita on 01268 694342, the leisure team on 01268 882476 or Kate Clayton on 01268 464500.