A NEW health and fitness group has stepped out in stunning style across Waveney.

Promenade, a Nordic walking group, held its launch event on September 13 last year – and since then it has gone from strength to strength.

From 14 members who strode forwards for the launch event, to more than 25 people who are regularly exploring the coastline – all in the space of just 18 weeks since the organisation was unveiled.

Keen to attract members who wish to 'live life to the full by remaining healthy, vibrant and fit,' the group is run by Rosie Marler, a Nordic Walking instructor from Pakefield.

And this week Mrs Marler said: 'As we move into 2013 I can say with a great deal of pride that Promenade East Coast Nordic Walking group is going from strength to strength, thanks to The Journal's article that helped me to launch in September 2012. I now have a group of more than 25 loyal Nordic Walkers and we are making it our business to explore the entire coastline from Pakefield to Southwold – despite the fact that many of us are local people, we are surprised and impressed by our beautiful and ever changing coastline.'

The group meets on a weekly basis on a Thursday afternoon at the Ferini Gallery in Pakefield and Nordic Walks take place throughout the week.

'On January 1 (New Year's Day) a small group of us ducked out of family celebrations and took a two-hour walk in the most glorious January sunshine. As we breathed in the fresh air and took in the beautiful big blue sky, we all counted our blessings appreciating our beautiful corner of the east coast.'

Mrs Marler had recently introduced a Wellness Nordic Walk on Tuesday mornings, which is open to 'post operative and less fit people,' as Promenade is 'a truly inclusive service.'

Mrs Marler said: 'It is the one exercise that can benefit almost everyone. Nordic Walking is great for all ages as it improves mental wellbeing and physical condition, managing weight, by burning fat, building muscles and increasing aerobic capacity. One of the real plusses is that when Nordic walking you feel that you are exerting less effort than you actually are, you feel relatively more comfortable while your heart is working at a significantly demanding level.'

Adding she was looking forward to meeting 'lots of new walkers' this year, Mrs Marler said that if you 'feel like taking up a new hobby or you have post Christmas blues' please come along and join the Promenade group for a free taster session – with Nordic Walking poles provided.

For more information visit www.promenading.co.uk telephone Mrs Marler on 01502 574012, 07859 024109 or e-mail info@promenading.co.uk