Pub's weekly friendship walk sees demand soar

More than 90 people have turned out for the walks

Armed with pink high-vis jackets and whistles, a crowd of more than 90 people have gathered at their local pub to get walking.

It is a Wednesday evening and The Park Tavern in Kingswinford is hosting its weekly 5km (3.1 mile) walk to help people get fit, meet new friends and boost their mental health.

Landlord Bea Lane started her first event on New Year's Day with 16 participants after becoming worried about her friend's mental health.

She said that demand for the walk had doubled each week, creating an "amazing turnout" which she never would have imagined.

Bea Lane started the walks after she became worried about her friend's mental health

A shorter 3km (1.9 mile) walk is also available to those wanting a shorter distance, so participants can still complete a full loop ending at the pub.

Ms Lane hopes that the group can support people in different ways as it continues to grow.

"It's important to do this because a lot of people can feel lonely and depressed during the winter months," she said.

Carl Ackerman said that he felt proud to see the "amazing turnout"

Carl Ackerman attends the weekly event and supports everyone as they walk and talk together.

He said that the "amazing turnout" made him feel proud, because it showed that everyone was invested in the village and the pub.

"It's great for mental health, for the community to get involved and just chat," he said.

"We knew that there were people who had never met before and they were all chatting.

"It's great to see everyone getting connected."

The pub aims to plan longer routes like 10km (6.2 miles) on the weekend as people really enjoy the walks, it said.

Lynda Lowe decided to attend the event to feel safe while walking at night

Lynda Lowe started attending the events because she did not feel safe walking in the dark alone.

"Walking with a gang of people and having the companionship is nice, everyone is lovely," she said.

She hopes to continue walking every Wednesday to make herself feel better, meet others and go at her own pace.