The search is on for the perfect “Maryport Mile”.

Allerdale council is also looking for people to lead walks in the area.

Health and wellbeing have been identified as a key part of an Allerdale council regeneration plan and the Maryport Mile aims to encourage as many people as possible to take up walking.

The council is asking people to send in details of their favourite short walks. Over the summer five Maryport Miles will be set up, waymarked, measured, mapped and promoted.

Ideas put forward so far include the promenade, the Percy Kelly arts trail and the marina, but the Council is calling on the public to tell them about any hidden gems.

The council also wants to redevelop a Maryport Walking for Health programme in partnership with Active Cumbria, which involves training local people to become walk leaders.

Councillor Carni McCarron-Holmes, Executive Member for health and wellbeing and ward councillor for Maryport, said: “Walking is one of the most popular forms of physical activity. It’s accessible, low cost, has a huge number of health benefits and you can do it with friends or family. It sounds straightforward, but often people don’t know about the best places to walk, don’t want to walk on their own or may not know how long a walk might take. We want to make it as easy as possible for the people of Maryport to get out and about and improve their health and wellbeing.”

Training for walk leaders begins on Tuesday. To book a place or for more information call Rebecca Stamper on 01900 702711 or email leisure.services@allerdale.gov.uk .

Favourite walks can also be emailed to leisure.services@allerdale.gov.uk or get in touch through the Allerdale Borough Council Facebook or Twitter pages.