LOCALS are being encouraged to visit some of the town’s best walking spots in September to take part in a county-wide challenge.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard has announced a celebration of walking taking place in the region this September.

SouthYorksWalks, which is taking place between September 13 and 15, is all about getting out for an enjoyable walk, even if only for a short distance.

Part of the Mayor’s Year of Active Travel, the scheme is a chance to move more and move differently and to experience the joy of walking towards a ‘healthier, happier South Yorkshire’.

Ed Clancy, a triple Olympic champion and originally from Barnsley, said: “We’d really love everyone to fit a local walk into their weekend.

“It might be a leisurely stroll while you’re listening to that podcast you never get a chance to catch up with, scooting on the school run or joining a local group for an organised walk.

“Walking regularly costs nothing, can start on your doorstep and, for just 30 minutes a day, will increase your cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, and boost muscle.

“Plus, regular walking can reduce your risk of depression by a third, and releases endorphins that increases your energy levels, capability to concentrate and even improves your sleep patterns.”

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard added: “Building a healthier, wealthier and happier South Yorkshire is central to my ambition as South Yorkshire’s Mayor.

“That’s what my Year of Active Travel is all about - creating more opportunities for us all to move more and move differently.”