'WALKERS and Talkers' in Okehampton took more than an active step last week when they helped to promote a more healthy lifestyle.
The group were supporting the Make A Difference Day 2008 initiative — volunteering for a healthy lifestyle.
More than 20 people, of all ages, including one who is 84, gathered outside Waitrose superstore in Okehampton before embarking on a 30 to 40-minute walk to promote the need for more volunteers in physical and health-related volunteering roles.
Jackie Wolstenholme, the rural outreach officer for West Devon Community and Voluntary Services, said: 'The Walk and Talk group is a great way to keep healthy. Statistics show that people who take part in volunteering have improved health.
'The walks are led by trained and insured volunteer leaders and we are in desperate need of such people.
'But there are lots of healthy volunteering projects to do such as planting trees on Dartmoor, cleaning rivers, taking disabled people swimming — there are hundreds of options.'
Olive Hennessey from Okehampton Volunteer Centre said: 'The Walk and Talk group is very sociable as well as healthy and good for you.'
If anyone is interested in becoming a walk leader in either Okehampton or Tavistock contact West Devon Volunteer Centres on 01837 55047 or 01822 618224.