TOWN centre workers are being urged to spend their dinner hour walking around Blackburn.

Council bosses have planned a series of guided walks in the town centre to help make staff more active.

They hope that by showing how easy 30 minutes of exercise can be, people will be encouraged to do the same themselves four more times a week - meeting the Government's minimum recommendation for a healthy life.

The walks are part of Blackburn with Darwen Council's Walk This Way scheme, which aims to get people out and about and reduce the risks of illness and disease.

The council's health and fitness officer, Susan McLean, will lead the walks from Blackburn's Old Town Hall.

A council spokesman said: "Instead of spending lunchtime sat eating and reading a paper, residents are being encouraged to take part in a 30-minute walk around Blackburn town centre.

"The walks are aimed at encouraging people to take the Department of Health-recommended exercise at least five times a week.

"The walks are free and, if successful, it is anticipated they will be extended to Darwen in the future."

Blackburn with Darwen isn't the only council to encourage people to put their best foot forward.

Ribble Valley has also launched a Stepping Out programme, with a dedicated officer appointed to draw up a variety of walks to get more people active.

The organised strolls for staff have already been arranged and the authority is now working with community groups to draw up similar ones in rural areas.

Volunteers are also being sought to lead new walks on a regular basis.

The tours around Blackburn start at 12.30pm on Friday, from Blackburn's Old Town Hall.

For more information, contact Susan or Matt on 01254 587242.