Crowds of walkers in 10 cities across England and Wales will take great strides to improve their health this month by taking part in Walk4Life.

Change4Life, ITV and walking groups are joining together to hold ITV’s Walk4Life Day on September 26. This is a nationwide day of mass-participation walks which will see people across the country stepping out and on their way to a happier, healthier future.

Today, ITV newsrooms across England and Wales are launching the campaign to get viewers off their sofas and encouraging them to get active, improve their lifestyle and walk in a location near them.

The free Change4Life events will be open to everyone, from experienced ramblers to first-time walkers and will be between one and three miles long. Ten major events will be held around England and Wales, led by local ITV personalities.

Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: “Walking is a great way for families to spend time together. Brisk walking for at least ten minutes is good for improving health and can count towards the recommended activity goals of thirty minutes five times a week for adults, and sixty minutes every day for children. It’s good for you and it gives you a chance to take time out of your busy life – quality time that is free and available to us all.”

Adam Crozier, ITV’s chief executive officer said:

“Walking is something that almost everyone can do to improve their health. I hope our viewers across the country will step up to the challenge and join ITV’s Walk4Life Day. “

The walks coincide with the launch of a new website www.walk4life.info which allows people to type in their postcode to find a local walk, or if they live near one of the 10 ITV Walk4Life events, to head down and join in.