THERE were two big things to celebrate at the North Craven Strollers birthday walk in early August.

The Walking for Health group marked its seventh birthday and also celebrated its scheme co-ordinator being given a prestigious national award.

The group provides easy, free, gentle, regular walks of between 30 and 90 minutes in the Settle and Gargrave-Hellfield areas, and is run entirely by volunteers.

Its leader, Veronica Caperon, was a founder member of the group in August 2009. She has just been recognised by The Ramblers for her outstanding contribution to Walking for Health.

"I was very surprised to be given this commendation" said Veronica. "As with many awards like this, it is testament to the teamwork of the walk leaders and the commitment of its members as much as any one person's contribution".

As well as co-ordinating The Strollers, Veronica is a trainer for Walking for Health and has trained dozens of volunteers to become walk leaders for schemes in the Yorkshire area.

"Veronica has helped create a friendly and welcoming group, where our walkers improve their health and well-being as well as have a good time!" explained group chairman, Dan Bavington.

Members of The Strollers celebrated their birthday in time-honoured fashion with a walk around Giggleswick followed by a bring-and-share tea. With more than 60 registered walkers and 12 volunteer walk leaders, the group is unusual in the national Walking for Health family because of its rural nature. Weekly walks take place in Settle and surrounding villages and fortnightly in and around Gargrave and Hellifield.

Run under the auspices of The Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Care, there are more than 50,000 walkers on some 500 schemes throughout the country. There are also Walking for Health groups in Skipton and in the Cross Hills area.

E-mail ncravenstrollers@yahoo.co.uk or call 01729 824537 for more details.