HEALTH staff in Bolton are putting their best feet forward in the battle against obesity — and they want the public to do the same.

NHS Bolton and the Royal Bolton Hospital have both signed up to take part in Walk to Work Week, which starts today.

They want their employees and others across the borough to get involved.

Jan Hutchinson, director of public health at the primary care trust, said: “Walking costs absolutely nothing, doesn’t need any expensive equipment or club membership fees, and saves on the bus fares or petrol costs, as well providing health benefits.”

Health trainers at the Royal Bolton Hospital have pledged to walk to or from work at least once during the week and they are using music to help them.

Hospital staff have been asked to help compile a list of 100 songs with a walking theme that people can listen to as they walk Gary Bickerstaffe, who is managing the project, said: “Whether we’re walking in the rain, deciding whether to walk on by, or checking that our boots are made for walking, we’re all really looking forward to walking in rhythm.”

A hospital staff walks map, which features several timed and measured walks around the hospital site, will also be re-launched.

NHS Bolton will be organising lunchtime walks for staff and people are being urged to take part in Bolton Council’s health walks, with details online at: bolton.gov.uk/walking.

In addition to walking all or some of the way to work, people are also being encouraged to take a stroll at lunchtime, have a walking meeting or get out and about with family and friends.

People can also sign up to the Walk to Work Week website, which monitors the miles walked, calories burned and carbon saved by walking. Visit: walkingworks.org.uk/walk-to-work-week for more information.

Walk to Work Week is organised by the Living Streets charity. The distances walked in Bolton will go towards a national total for all walking linked to the campaign.