RESIDENTS are being encouraged to spring into action and join a running group to get them from couch to 5k.

Ideal for adult beginners, the 12-week programme has been set up by Malvern Hills District Council and aims to help build confidence, stamina, fitness and well-being.

The fun and informal sessions will be held weekly at: Upton Primary School, 9am to 10am, starting on Tuesday, May 21; and Malvern Town Football Club: 10am to 11am, starting on Thursday, May 23.

Run leader Rachel Vann is fully qualified in running fitness and will provide free training, advice and support.

Couch to 5k is a national running initiative that has been designed to get people from the couch and gradually work up to running five kilometres in just 12 weeks.

At the end of the programme, participants will take part in the Worcester Pitchcroft Park Run together.

Rachel Vann, well-being and physical activity officer for Malvern Hills District Council, said: “I love watching how people’s confidence and fitness grows on this course. Most people who start the programme can only run for 30 seconds, by the end of the 12 weeks participants can successfully run their first park run, non-stop.”

The course costs £25 and there are only 12 places available, with a minimum number of eight people for the course to run.

To check availability and book, contact getactive@malvernhills.gov.uk or 01684 862475.