Volunteers are needed to help with a healthy initiative.

Dorset Council’s health and activity team is looking for people to help lead 'health walks' within the county. 

A health walk is a volunteer-led walk in residents' local area that is inclusive and can be between 30 mins to 90 mins, but most are an hour.

They are not just a great way to take regular exercise, but also to meet new people and enjoy social interaction with people in your community.  

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "We are looking for people with some time available on weekdays to help our teams of volunteers leading these walks.

"We need leaders in all locations, so wherever you live, there is an established walk near you. No experience is necessary, other than a willingness to get involved and meet new people.  Training given."

The Dorchester Strollers were formed in July 2003 and offer walks on Monday mornings and Tuesday afternoons around the town.

Walks start at different points in Dorchester and usually finish with a sociable tea or coffee.

There are also two health walks in Weymouth which are mostly flat.

The route taken on the day is agreed at the beginning of the walk and is dependent on the ability and preference of those attending and generally last 45 minutes.

Portland also offers a walk on a Monday which meets at Easton Gardens 4and ends up in a local coffee shop. The walk is dog friendly and is open to all abilities.

Walks are also held in Blandford, Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Sherbourne and Sturminster Newton. 

Rural walks of 90 minutes also take place throughout the year in Shaftesbury within an approximate 10 mile radius of the town.

To express an interest in becoming a volunteer you can email dorsethealthwalks@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or to speak with a member of the team call 01425 480811.

More information about Dorset health walks can be found at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-health-walks