Michael Fabricant, a keen hill walker, joined the Lichfield & District Ramblers Group on Sunday 22 February for a seven mile walk around Alrewas, to get fresh air and talk about the many benefits of walking and how they can help to build “a walking Britain”.

Phil Cheesewright, Chair of the Group said: “We’d like to thank Michael for joining us on one of our walks to talk about how we can build a walking Britain. We’re pleased he was able to discover first-hand the benefits of walking and enjoy a ramble around Alrewas, just one of the pleasant areas for walking in his constituency.

“Walking offers an effective, low-cost solution to many of the problems we face in the UK. It’s good for our mental and physical health and therefore reduces healthcare costs, it supports our local economy and it’s good for the environment and our local neighbourhoods.

“We know walking is one of the most accessible, achievable and enjoyable ways to get people to be more active. We offer regular local walks of varying lengths and we’d love for local people to join us to discover the fun, friendship and fresh-air of walking with a group.”

Mr Fabricant said “I had a great day walking with the local Ramblers. I’d urge everyone in Lichfield and Burntwood to get out and enjoy the fresh air. It’s a fun, free and an easy way to spend an afternoon, not to mention something that’s good for your health and wellbeing. And we’ve got some great walks in our neck of the woods. The walk I was on highlighted the importance of paths and green spaces and how these are beneficial to the health and wellbeing of people in the area. A great way to lose weight!

“People interested in joining in a walk should check their website http://www.lichfieldanddistrictramblers.org.uk/ for upcoming walks.”

Photos shows Michael Fabricant with Ben Rayner the Lichfield District Council candidate for Alrewas.