HEALTH campaigners are urging couch potatoes in Herefordshire to get walking for a fitter New Year.

Too many of us are too flabby and unfit - and we are being given our marching orders. Many more need to put on their boots and set out on foot to help prevent coronary heart disease.

A national fitness survey has revealed more than seven out of 10 people in Herefordshire are not physically active enough, with inactivity and unfitness peaking after the excesses of Christmas.

The Walking for Health Initiative, run by the Countryside Agency with support from the British Heart Foundation, is encouraging walking groups to step up their activity by 'walking off the pud' in January.

There are more than 31 Walking for Health schemes in the West Midlands - including two in Herefordshire. It's hoped that across the country more than 1,000, 000 people will be walking through the initiative by the end of 2005

'Walking off the pud' activity in Herefordshire will include:

l Footprints South Wye: Walks every day ranging from beginners to advanced walkers. For more information contact Penny Jones on 01432 260730, or 01432 261799.

l Walking for Health in Leominster: Walks over New Year are planned for January 4 at 11am and January 6 at 2pm, starting from the Tourist Information Centre in Corn Square. The normal pattern of walks is Tuesday at 11am and Thursday at 2pm. For more information contact Dennis Downey on 01568 614411, Mobile 07787 331 863, E-mail downey@leominster74.freeserve.co.uk

l Local rambling clubs welcome newcomers to try a 'sample' walk. A selection of club walks is listed every week in the Hereford Times at the end of the County Times section.

l The Walking for Health Initiative website provides more information about setting up a WHI group www.whi.org.uk

The initiative provides insurance for trained walk leaders.

Angela Smith, Walking for Health co-ordinator for the West Midlands said: "The scheme began in 2000 and has been a huge success.

"Over 90% of those joining a scheme intend to continue walking and almost 30% have changed their transport habits. And increased activity benefits mental health and general wellbeing and can reduce visits to the GP."

Coronary heart disease, cancer, strokes and diabetes are all reduced through regular physical exercise. Experts say that we should all be on the move for at least 30 minutes a day.