Bradford people are being encouraged to walk their way to fitness in the city's green spaces.

A new Walking for Health co-ordinator has been appointed to get more people across the district taking a stroll.

Hawarun Hussain is compiling a list of walks people can do around Bradford, without having to travel to places like the Yorkshire Dales. She has also been training walk leaders and will publicise routes and organised walks.

Walking the Way to Health is a national initiative run by the British Heart Foundation, the Countryside Agency and funded by the National Lottery New Opportunities Fund.

One of the pilot schemes was in Keighley and Mrs Hussain was appointed last year, with funding coming through Bradford City Primary Care Trust.

Other organisations are also involved, including Bradford Council, Sure Start and Sport Action Zone.

Mrs Hussain's first project has involved training walk leaders - 41 of them so far.

The leaders are supported in running walks and provided with first aid kits, waterproofs, insurance, and publicity.

"When you talk about walking you get people who are serious walkers and people who want to walk but don't do it," said Mrs Hussain. "People just need to know where they can go for walks near their homes. It is finding the nice walks in and around Bradford.

"We have had people from West Bowling saying 'I have heard of Lister Park - where is it?'

"A lot of people don't know these green spaces exist."

Mrs Hussain is currently working on creating a pack of local walks within the centre of Bradford.

The aim is to encourage people who never do any exercise to walk for half an hour a day, five days a week, and to educate people about the benefits of walking. Mrs Hussain said that as well as burning 300 calories per half hour, walking can reduce stress and improve sleep and moods.

Mrs Hussain will also give talks to local organisations and groups about the benefits of walking and hopes to set up a referral scheme where patients can be referred to a walking group.

"People do want to walk but often they need something to motivate them and a reason to go out," she said.

For more information about training to be a walk leader or the project, ring (01274) 322587.