A WALKING initiative to tackle loneliness and isolation is calling for more people to sign up.

North Wiltshire Ramblers and Step Out Swindon organise weekly walks to help people feeling lonely to socialise while exploring Swindon's green spaces.

The volunteer-led initiative, set up after the council cut funding to Step Out Swindon, organises groups three days a week.

Its most popular group in Haydon Wick can attract 100 people on a single walk.

Organiser Grahame Lee told the Adver: "We get lots of people who have lost partners, have been ill, or have recently moved into the area.

"It's free, you meet other people and when you walk with a group there's still that incentive to go out what ever the weather.

"We are so blessed in Swindon with areas like Queens Park, Town Gardens, Mouldon Hill. We've got some amazing places you can walk to."

The walks are free and only ask for a small 50p donation to cover refreshments.