BROMSGROVE residents are being urged to ditch the couch and lace up for a new 'Couch to 5k' course starting in September.

The popular running course, designed for absolute beginners, will be starting new sessions from Monday September 3, throughout the week and various locations across the district.

The nine-week weekly sessions are led by qualified instructors and supported by the NHS.

Sessions last approximately 45 minutes and are pay as you go at £1 per session.

Cllr Peter Whittaker, whose portfolio covers leisure and cultural services, said: “Staying active during the summer can be difficult especially with school holidays, different routines, warm weather and holidays, so this next round is the perfect way to get back to it.

"The Couch to 5k courses are specially designed to help people build up their stamina and fitness slowly so that it’s manageable. No matter what your current fitness level is, anyone is welcome to come along and give it a go.”

Sessions take place on Mondays at 6pm at Lickey End Recreation Ground, Tuesdays at 9.30am at Catshill Meadow, Wednesdays at 6pm at Sanders Park, Thursdays at 9.30am at Sanders Park, and Sundays at 9.30am at Alvechurch Meadows.

Sessions include a series of downloadable podcasts designed to structure each run with music and coaching to develop running technique, speed and stamina progressively over time, as well as a companion smartphone app.

For more information contact sports development on 01527 881404 or hayley.gwilliam@bromsroveandredditch.gov.uk.