Parent and baby walking group proves a big hit

"The group has grown and grown - it started a year ago and it's just snowballed."

Coriarna Morris joined the parent and baby walking group in Stone, Staffordshire, in February, shortly after it was set up.

Since then, she said she had been inundated with calls from people who wanted to get involved.

"What we find is when you walk, we also talk and it's just fantastic, the stories that we hear and the advice we give each other", Ms Morris said.

It is run by community interest company Blaze Trails, which organises walks at more than 80 locations across the country - the Stone group is now one of its biggest in the UK.

Ms Morris, who is also one of the volunteers at the group, said: "We go out no matter the weather. It's exhilarating to share those experiences with other people and other parents.

"We're all volunteers and we've all been there so we all know what it's like to get your little one out and about for the very first time, but we're there to give you as much support and encouragement as you need."

The group, which attracts people from across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, offers families the chance to meet new people as they walk in the Staffordshire Moorlands and The Roaches, among other places.

The group is open to babies and children of all ages, and is attended by "all different types of people".

"We're getting out and exposing our little ones to that very first taste of nature", Ms Morris said.

"It does bring you together as a little community and it brings friendships".

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