A former star of hit television show Gladiators is urging people in north-east England to dig out their walking boots and hit local paths and trails.

Diane Youdale, who starred in the programme as Jet, will visit the region on March 6th to launch the Get Walking Keep Walking Durham project.

Funded by the Ramblers, the scheme aims to encourage people to start walking in order to stave off the threats of poor health.

"Walking is a great way to take those first steps to a healthier lifestyle. It can help you lose weight, improve your fitness and importantly make you feel fantastic," explains Ms Youdale.

She goes on to suggest putting on walking boots offers the option of either spending some time alone to clear the mind or joining up with friends and making it a social event.

The Daily Telegraph this week nominated a hiking hotspot at the other end of the country – Carnewas in Cornwall – as its Walk of the Week.