HEALTH walkers past and present enjoyed getting back together at the seaside - sharing a cuppa and a stroll together.The Felixstowe health walking group held a special open morning so old friends could catch up, and new walkers could be encouraged and find out more about the group and its activities.

HEALTH walkers past and present enjoyed getting back together at the seaside - sharing a cuppa and a stroll together.

The Felixstowe health walking group held a special open morning so old friends could catch up, and new walkers could be encouraged and find out more about the group and its activities.

Volunteer health walk leader Alan Muchal said the event at the Fludyers Hotel, Undercliff Road East, said: “Health walks have been going now for over four years and many friendships developed between walkers.

“Unfortunately some of our former walkers can no longer manage the two miles or so we normally walk, so this was an occasion to meet up again over a cup of tea or coffee.”

A series of optional short walks along the prom was also held - ranging from half a mile up to the normal distance of two miles.

“As well as providing an opportunity for past and present walkers to get together, the open morning was an ideal opportunity for new walkers to find out about health walking and its benefits,” said Mr Muchal.

Health walks are supported by councils, health trusts and voluntary organisations in Suffolk with the aim of improving health through regular exercise - especially for people recovering from illness or operations, or wanting to step up their fitness.

The Felixstowe group is particularly active with 11 fully-trained volunteer health walk leaders who, between them, lead about four walks every month throughout the year.

Walks are usually between two and two and a half miles long and are graded according to difficulty.

The current programme, up to the end of March, is available from the library in Crescent Road, the Tourist Information Centre on the seafront, on Suffolk Coastal's website, or from Sharon Jarrett on 01394 444501.