A BEAUTY spot in one of Britain’s flatest counties has been chosen to become the country’s first Nordic-Walking park.
Highwoods Country Park has been selected as the UK’s first official park for the fastest-growing activity in the world.
The accolade has gone to Colchester in recognition of the work done to promote the exercise.
Nordic Walking started in the 1930s when competitive cross country skiers in Finland sought some off-season training when there was no snow.
They realised it was paying dividends in increased performance and found the technique kept them in good physical condition.
In Colchester, the sessions are led by instructor Penny Parker who runs workout walks for people wanting to get fit.
The group's oldest member is 80-year-old Vera Herring, who started Nordic-Walking after suffering a heart attack three years ago.
The park's official Nordic-walking trail will be marked with the Nordic-Walking UK logo.
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