AS the cold days do not encourage us to go out shopping, never mind anything else, it was rather a nice surprise to join up with the 'Stepping Out' group of walkers.

We do Monday morning through Rishton and the afternoon n Clayton-le-Moors. There is also one on Thursday morning, when we also go to through Oswaldtwistle.

We are finding out different walks and places that we haven't been to before and also meeting some very friendly people. Everyone can walk at their own pace and it's more of a stroll as there are some who cannot walk too fast, but, like us, enjoy the company and fresh air.

Each walk has a different leader, is well organised beforehand and lasts between an hour and an hour and half.

Do come and join in as people from Darwen and Blackburn come as well as local people.

There is also one from Gatty Park, Accrington, on Thursday afternoons and Huncoat on Tuesday afternoons.

MAUREEN ARNFIELD, Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors.