GETTING healthy is a walk in the park for members of a Kearsley group.

The Kearsley Health Walkers meet each week to take strolls aimed at boosting their wellbeing and making friends.

Many have medical conditions and have been referred to the group by doctors.

And this week they took their activity one step further by heading out to Moses Gate Country Park, led by medical herbalist Edwina Hodkinson, hunting for beneficial plants.

A group of 17 walkers braved the torrential downpours on Wednesday to learn about the plants, and managed to dry off afterwards at St John Fisher Church cottage at a shared healthy lunch followed by massage and relaxation.

"It was very wet but it was very interesting. We learnt a lot," said group chairwoman and walk leader Margaret Brooks.

The group was started five years ago and has gone from strength to strength, currently including walkers up to 80 years old.

"Some people have health problems and some don't but we are all trying to take responsibility for our own health," said Mrs Brooks.

The group meets just before 10am each Wednesday at Kearsley Mount Methodist Church on Manchester Road before setting off in two groups - one on a gentle one hour gentle stroll and another on a more energetic, longer walk.

Anyone who wants to join in is welcome to go along.