THE path to a healthy lifestyle has been laid out thanks to a £14,000 boost for parks.

Nine parks across Hyndburn will benefit from new walking route markers and accompany-ing walkers' guides, thanks to £10,000 funding from a Big Lottery grant.

A further £4,000 is being put forward by East Lancashire Primary Care Trust and the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley CVS.

The markers and guides will help the walkers complete designated 'Urban Park Walks.' Money will also be used to fund a series of leaflets showing the location of the parks and the distance and grade of each of the walks.

The information will be able to be downloaded from the PCT website and Hyndburn parks web page, and will also be available in libraries, tourist information centr-es and GP surgeries.

The project has been devised by the PCT's Healthy Living team, which encourages people to live healthy lifestyles - particularly with the help of regular walking.

Melissa Taylor, health improvement specialist for the PCT, said: "Our aim is to encourage people to increase their activity levels by following the markers at their own pace.

"This is for people who might not normally go in the parks for leisure walking but who would benefit from a gentle stroll at their own pace."

She added: "Walking improves a person's physical, social and ment-al well-being.

"It can improve many conditions such as heart problems, asthma and high blood pressure as well as reducing the risk of future illness.

"Walking can help improve or maintain mobility, allowing people to remain independent in later life."

Coun Lynn Wilson, cabinet member for parks, said: "Town parks are coming back into fashion and this cash bonus will help us to make them more friendly and useable for local residents.

"We're really looking forward to helping people step forward and get on the trail of a healthier lifestyle."