A walking initiative which started three years ago already has more than 1,000 members and an army of 80 volunteers.

Get Wiltshire Walking has 27 walking groups across the county which are predominantly led by volunteers.

The project has been delivered by Wiltshire Council for three years after receiving Big Lottery Funding in 2011.

The walking groups are aimed at three different ability levels. The original ‘health’ walks have been supplemented with ‘starter’ walks and ‘fit’ walks catering for those that would like a shorter, slower walk as well as those who would like to be challenged more by a faster, more strenuous pace.

Jonathon Seed, cabinet member for leisure, paid tribute to the many volunteers who lead the walks, saying: "Walking has enormous health benefits and is also a great way of meeting other local people.

“We are proud to have more than 1,000 registered walkers and a dedicated team of volunteers who organise walks for 500 walkers on a weekly basis.

"The programme is constantly developing and offering more walks in different areas and this is only possible because of the dedicated team of volunteers we have trained."

A special event in Salisbury brought together Get Wiltshire Walking participants to take part in two guided walks of varying duration.

It also provided the ideal opportunity to recognise the 80 active volunteer walk leaders in the county who donate their time, energy and enthusiasm to provide regular, enjoyable walks for local people. All volunteers were presented with a handmade Get Wiltshire Walking pot.

Steve Williams, an active walk leader and one of the volunteers who put together the walking routes around Salisbury, said: “I enjoy what I do for the walking groups and get a lot of personal pleasure meeting up with kindred spirits when I travel about the county to go for a walk.

"Apart from the obvious health benefits for all who attend the walks, there is the social factor within the walking group and it’s great to catch up with people each week.”

New walks are being added in Ramsbury and Shrewton in October.

For more information about Get Wiltshire Walking visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/getwiltshirewalking or pick up a leaflet in local libraries or community centres.