PEOPLE in Devon are being encouraged to put an extra spring in their step for the first ever Walk to Work week from Monday 27 April – Friday 1 May.

PEOPLE in Devon are being encouraged to put an extra spring in their step for the first ever Walk to Work week from Monday 27 April - Friday 1 May.

Devon County Council's Travelwise campaign is supporting the national event with the message that walking is healthy, environmentally friendly and free.

Walk to Work Week is aiming to raise awareness of the benefits of walking and encourage people to fit more of it into their everyday lives. Whether it's walking to work, going for a lunchtime walk or taking part in an organised leisure walk, there are lots of ways to fit more walking into your daily routine.

Staff at County Hall will be invited to take part in lunch time walks on Tuesday 28 April and Thursday 30 April.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment said, "Walking is simply the healthiest way to travel. It can reduce stress, help to reduce high blood pressure, make you feel good, reduce your carbon footprint and best of all, it costs absolutely nothing.

"With heart disease one of the biggest causes of early death in Britain, we could all benefit from leaving the car at home and walking to work, school or the shops. Even the shortest journey can make all the difference so I hope that many people take advantage of the good weather and start walking now, especially if they are looking to lose weight."

According to the World Health Organisation walking one mile can burn up at least 100 calories of energy, and walking two miles a day, three times a week can help reduce weight by one pound every three weeks.

Walk to Work Week is aiming to be an annual reminder of the benefits of walking, and that walking for just 30 minutes a day during the working week can help you meet the government's recommended level of daily activity.