WHAT a simple idea -- walking; but great things come from simple ideas and Blackburn with Darwen Council are achieving great things as they encourage us to get out and about with their Walking Festival.

The Walking Festival is a showcase of the value of walking to our community and we need to recognise the contribution that the Council Team are making to the well-being of the borough.

The benefits come in a variety of ways. It starts with Health Living but broadens out into activities that can be shared by everyone whatever their cultural backgrounds.

Side by side we have the young and old, shy and sociable, fit and, with a little help, those less mobile.

It renews us both physically and spiritually and whilst we walk, we slow down to see the richness of our environment and become aware once more of the heritage we all can share.

So give credit to the work of the council officers and their helpers and make sure the council is never allowed to under-value the benefits that walking brings.

Councillor CHRIS THAYNE, Woodlands Grove, Darwen.