A TEAM of Halton health walk volunteers was welcomed to an afternoon tea with the mayor to celebrate their recent award success.

The Volunteer Walk Leaders, who lead regular health walks to keep residents happy and active, were invited for afternoon tea with Halton’s Mayor and Consort, Cllrs Val and Stan Hill, who presented them with their certificates and goodie bags for their hard work.

Recently, they won the Volunteering Team of the Year award at Halton and St Helens Voluntary and Community Action’s annual awards ceremony.

Cllr Paula Parle, Halton Borough Council’s sport and physical activity officer, said: “Our volunteers play an important role in supporting people to lead more active lifestyles, thereby improving physical, mental and social health.

“Walking is such an easy activity to support good health, and it is free due to the commitment of volunteers who lead a selection of weekly health walks across Halton.”

Walk leaders plan routes that are open and accessible to people of all abilities, as well as provide a safe and friendly environment.

The team, some of whom have volunteered for 15 years, is dedicated to promoting active lifestyles within the community, as well as helping people through their health problems and other difficult times, such as bereavement.

This helps to keep people out of costly and intensive services, such as GP appointments, hospitals, and other social services.

Paula added: “Our health walks could not operate without these amazing volunteers.

“Some weeks around 100 people attend a health walk across Widnes and Runcorn and reap the benefits.

“They leave smiling thanks to our wonderful volunteers who use the ‘wonder drug’ walking to support healthier happier lifestyles.”