A NEW dog walking group is launching in South Lakeland to encourage residents to be more active.

Barking Mad South Lakes and Active Cumbria have teamed up to bring a new 'Walking for Health' group, with a twist, to Kendal.

The group, called #Sundaywalksnwags, is free to join and all are welcome, dog or no dog.

Alison Quigley, Walk Leader from Barking Mad South Lakes, said that being active has many physical, mental and social benefits, but to have a dog to share your activity with you is a wonderful addiction.

"I have wanted to set up a low level, easy walking group for some time now and I’m delighted to welcome people and their pooches to our very first #Sundaywalksnwags," she said. "Walking is a great for both the dogs and their owners helping them to meet new people, and see new places."

This new group has been set up in partnership with Active Cumbria, with the focus upon planning suitable walks in Kendal within the Walking for Health framework.

Kelly Alty, Development Officer at Active Cumbria, said: "At Active Cumbria our focus is upon tackling inactivity and supporting people to become more physically active within their own communities, and what better way to do this than walking."

Walks will take place on the first Sunday of every month for 60 to 90 minutes, followed by an optional tea/coffee in a dog friendly café in Kendal. The first group walk will be on Sunday November, 4, at 10am from Kendal Library.