Record breaking walkers help break a record

Staff at Daventry District Council try nordic walking for the 20 Million Steps campaign

People completed their walks and logged their steps online at www.20millionsteps.co.uk

It was part of Northamptonshire County Council’s 20 Million Steps event in September.

The amount walked beat the 2014 event’s total by almost nine million steps and saw over 30,000 people across the county take part, according to the final figures.

Around two-thirds of adults in the area are classed as overweight or obese, and the aim of the 20 Million Steps campaign is to  encourage people to become more active by going for a walk.

People could complete their walk wherever they chose and then log their steps online at www.20millionsteps.co.uk, while organised walks took place at country parks and libraries.

Cllr Robin Brown, county council cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “To see so many people getting out in the fresh air and enjoying some physical activity for our 20 Million Steps weekend was fantastic, and I’m delighted that the event saw such an increase in walkers taking part.

“The benefits of exercise are well known and walking really is one of the easiest ways for people of all ages to become more active.

“We hope people will be inspired by the success of our 20 Million Steps weekend to make physical activity a part of their daily life.”