A COUNCIL’S health scheme has been awarded an accreditation that shows it has successfully connected with the public by offering walks for fitness.

Braintree Council’s Heart & Sole Scheme, has been awarded accreditation by Walking for Health, a Natural England initiative.

The national accreditation means that the programme successfully demonstrated that it offers led walks for beginners, meets the “Walking for Health” safety and insurance standards for all walks, and collects basic monitoring information.

Heart & Sole will now benefit from being part of a nationally evaluated scheme as well as being formally recognised by health professionals, prospective partners and funders.

Councillor Joanne Beavis, cabinet member for communities, said: “It is very important to see this scheme being recognised. Our volunteers work extremely hard to deliver an excellent programme of walks for the benefit of others in their communities”.

Heart & Sole welcomes new walkers throughout the year. Ten different walks take place each week starting from a variety of locations around the district.

Anyone who would like to join in can contact the co-ordinator, Myrna Ling on 01376 552525, walking@braintree.gov.uk or visit wfh.naturalengland.org.uk.