A charity is inviting Sandwell residents to take part in a walk designed to help them get fit and explore their local area.

Living Streets has organised the walk around Bearwood and Thimblemill Brook in Smethwick on Thursday as part of its Fitter for Walking project.

The project aims to make walking a part of people's daily routines, by improving streets and promoting opportunities to get active, such as Thursday's walk.

It will be led by Fitter for Walking co-ordinator Hema Kasi-Patel and members of the Friends of Thimblemill Brook group, who will provide information about the importance of the site and the nature that surrounds it.

There will also be entertainment for children from Thimblemill Library's Woody the Bear, who will be coming along for the walk.

Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Living Streets, said: "We are really excited to be leading some of these walks in Smethwick and hope that we can encourage the local community to discover what's on their doorstep.

"There are so many benefits to walking, not just to make the roads less congested and polluted, but to develop more of a community as you get to know your local area better.

"We are told all the time that we need to be more active, but it doesn't have to be hard. Making small changes to your everyday routine, such as having a brisk walk can work wonders in transforming your health."

Thursday's walk is just the first in a series set to take place in the area. In March, residents can go along to explore local bird life and April's walk will focus on the history of the area.

The walks have been funded by the Big Lottery Fund's Wellbeing Programme and have been arranged in partnership with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Primary Care Trust.

Residents who want to take part on Thursday should meet outside Thimblemill Library on Thimblemill Road, Smethwick, at 10am.

For more information contact Hema on hema.kasi-patel@livingstreets.org.uk or call 07595 781875.

Living Streets stands up for pedestrians and campaigns to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, where people want to walk. For more information www.livingstreets.org.uk.