A NEW running group is encouraging people to lace up their trainers and get out and explore their beautiful surroundings.

North Bolton Runners set up 10 weeks ago for people of all ages and abilities to experience the fun, as well as they mental and physical benefits, of running.

The group runs three times a week ­— Monday to Wednesday ­— and puts on trails of different lengths to suit all abilities in and around the Bromley Cross, Egerton and Turton.

Co-founder Chris Reddy said: "The group is open to everyone, from those with no experience to experienced runners, and is free.

"This is a friendly community running club and very welcoming with a fun atmosphere. We have around 15 to 30 runners on average taking part on each run. We want more to come along.

"Under-16s can attend as long as they are with their parents. The youngest we have had taking part is nine-years-old."

Mr Reddy, who lives in Egerton, added: "We have some gorgeous surroundings, and we change the routes regularly, and we have had some runners saying they had no idea that these trails and footpaths were there.

"Even in the dark with head torches they are nice areas to run."

The club, which is run by volunteers, meets at Egerton War Memorial on Monday, the Monday Milers, and Bromley Cross train station on Tuesday, Trail Tuesday, at 7pm. On Wednesday the group gathers at Entwistle Reservoir at 6.30pm.

Runs include couch to 5k, four mile group, six mile group and improving 5k to 10k.

Keen runner Mr Reddy set up the club with other keen runners ­— Dave Henshall, Jennifer Chadderton, Colin Bain, Jenny Brown, Jennifer Topping , Hannah Clarkson, Sam Dalley ­— to share their love of the social sport. He started asking people on social media to join him and through that he helped found the group with other members.

He said: "I have always enjoyed running and as well as improving physical fitness, it helps with mental health wellbeing. Some members have had to take time out and running helps them to get back on the right track. We have appointed a safeguarding and wellbeing officer."

Mr Reddy said that physically it running helps to beat lethargy and helps restore mental fitness too by being a good way to let of steam. He said that it had a good social aspect to it too.

"The runners would agree with that," said Mr Reddy, "We have more than 300 members on Facebook and our challenge is to get them out running with us."

The club, which attracts runners in and around and beyond Bolton, is holding a sponsored run to raise money for the club to buy equipment, and running kits.

To find out more visit the North Bolton Runners Facebook Page or turn up on the days the group meets.