A pioneering exercise programme is helping scores of Sutton residents get fit and lose weight by changing the way they travel around the borough.

Active Steps encourages people to use their cars less and walk or cycle more, with motivators on hand to help people get started.

Delivered by Sutton and Merton NHS Primary Care Trust, the initiative was created in partnership with Smarter Travel Sutton.

As the first wave of residents to pass through the Active Steps programme speak of their success, more are urged to sign up and find out how they can benefit.

Violet Donovan, 55, from Clyde Road, Sutton, signed up to the programme in February after an Active Steps advisor, Ashley Gordon, visited her Slimming World class. She had already lost four stone but has now dropped another stone and is nearing her target weight, after taking part in regular walks.

She said: “I’d been thinking about walking for ages but wasn’t sure if I’d be able to as I had both my knees replaced two-and-a-half years ago. When Ashley came along I thought here is my opportunity.

“She arranged an appointment and we spent an hour talking about my goals and what I would like to do. The whole process was brilliant and Ashley gave me lots of contacts for walking groups and I contacted one in my local area.

“I now walk for an hour every Friday and do about four miles. It was tough at first but I soon realised I could take my time and go at my own pace.”

Patients who need to get more exercise are directed to the scheme by their GP.

During a 12-week programme they will meet with the trained advisor who will help them set goals and give them information such as cycle maps or contacts for walking groups.

Dr Martyn Wake, medical director of Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust, said: “Medical evidence demonstrates taking regular exercise such as cycling and walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and can even reduce depression and stress. I hope as many of our local residents as possible will join the programme and reap the health benefits.”

Councillor Colin Hall, executive member for environment on Sutton Council, said: “The great thing about Active Steps is that it builds exercise into your daily routine and if you change the way you travel, can also save you money and be kind to the environment too.”

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