A Maldon district community service is putting out a call for volunteer 'walking buddies' to help others get back on their feet following the pandemic.

Walking Buddies are volunteers who will be matched with someone who may have been shielding or self-isolating over the past months.

Sarah Troop, director of Maldon District Community Voluntary Service (MDCVS), said: "This is a great opportunity for volunteering in our district and with so many keen walkers, I hope we can find some Volunteer Walking Buddies."

The scheme offers people a short walk with a socially-distanced and respectful volunteer. The benefits will be gentle exercise, social contact and reduction of anxiety.

Once matched with an individual you will be given information about their location, their circumstances and their mobility.

You will visit them to take a gentle walk of around 30 minutes from their home address to give them an opportunity for a chat and some light exercise. Walks may be shorter at first and will be dependent on the individual's mobility and confidence.

Full guidance to potential volunteers will be given and to find out more head to the Volunteer Essex website using the link here.