Charity challenge bids to boost residents' fitness

Wolverhampton Best Foot Forward is taking place at the WV Active Aldersley stadium

An annual walking challenge is taking place in Wolverhampton with the aim of improving residents' health and fitness as they raise money for local charities.

The Best Foot Forward challenge, organised by the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton is being will be held at WV Active Aldersley on Saturday.

It is being supported by 40 corporate patrons, with £1 being released to charities for every lap completed around the stadium.

Bal Kaur, deputy director of public health in the city, said promoting exercise was important to improve physical and mental health.

Participants can spend as long or as little as they choose at the event and return as often as they want during the course of the day, with a personal chip keeping tally of how many laps have been covered.

"Exercise is great for physical and mental health, helping to build stamina, burn calories and make the heart healthier, while at the same time knowing that you are completing a challenge that will help others is also immensely rewarding," Ms Kaur said.

All proceeds will go to The Wolverhampton MS Therapy Centre, Central Youth Theatre and The Rotary Charitable Trust.

The event was first held in 2013 and has since has raised over £180,000 for charity.