ORGANISERS of a health walk scheme have hit their annual membership target early.

Walk North Staffordshire aimed to get 200 new walkers within a year of forming last April.

And it has now reached that number, thanks in part to more than 40 people who attended a recent walk in Mow Cop.

The project has more than a dozen regular health walks in Newcastle and the Moorlands.

And co-ordinator Shaun Stanley, right, was delighted to have achieved the membership target ahead of schedule.

He said: "This walk scheme has really caught the public's imagination. Having short, local walks which help people lose weight, improve their fitness or recuperate is popular."

The turn-out for the new Mow Cop walk was the scheme's biggest yet.

There will be another Mow Cop walk on May 3, starting from the castle car park at 1pm.

Information from Mr Stanley on 07967 662001.