Malvern Hills residents are being encouraged to get active after the festive season by taking part in Couch to 5k in the new year.

The fun and informal running group is aimed at complete beginners of all ages and will be returning to the district at a number of different locations from January.

The courses are on Thursday, January 10, in Malvern, Tuesday, January 15, in Upton and Malvern and Thursday, January 17, in Malvern.

Participants will complete one group run together every week as well as two homework runs with the support of group leaders.

By the end of 12 weeks, participants will be able to take part in the Worcester Pitchcroft Park Run in April.

Couch to 5k is a national running programme designed to get people off the couch to gradually work up to running five kilometres in just 12 weeks.

Rachel Vann of Malvern Hills District Council said: “We have had a lot of success with our Couch to 5k programme in the past, it is a great chance for people who might not have done any running before to build confidence and improve their health, whilst making new friends."

Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book, contact getactive@malvernhills.gov.uk or 01684 862475.