A campaign has been launched to get more people in Hounslow back on their feet.

The borough-wide roll-out, which will run for six weeks, includes a series of organised walks in parks and open spaces in a bid to give walkers the push to step out, exercise and improve their health.

To get people moving, Hounslow Council has teamed up with BetterPoints to provide residents with point-based incentives for walking which can be exchanged for vouchers at retail outlets such as Marks & Spencer, Halfords and Amazon, or can be donated to local charities or community groups.

For example, a short half-mile stroll can earn you 50 points but longer walks would give you up to 150.

Doctor Parvinder Singh Garcha of the Hounslow Family Practice, who has backed the council’s spring campaign, said: “Forget faddy diets, forget special clothes, the simplest and cheapest way to improve your health is just to start walking.

“But better than all of that, walking is enormous fun, especially if you visit some of Hounslow’s exciting parks and open spaces."

Walking is not only suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels but has been known to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers.

Organised walks in the programme include the bat walk at Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve, butterfly walk at Bedfont Lakes, stroll around Kempton Nature Reserve, or wander the woods of Crane Park.

Steve Curran, leader of Hounslow Council, said: “We have story walks, heritage walks, wildlife and local history walks - our spring programme has lots of variety and can help you make new friends along the way.

"The beauty is that if you record your activity with BetterPoints, you can earn great rewards.

"Residents who sign-up before June 22 will get a 250-point joining bonus too.”

Walks can be recorded either on a computer or through a simple app on your smartphone

For a full list of the walking programme visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/walking and details of the BetterPoints are available at www.betterpoints.uk or download the app.