Once everyone at the Birmingham retirement village had opened their abundance of Valentine's cards, seven staff and 61 residents kitted themselves out with their winter warmers and strolled across the road to the beautiful grounds of St Mary's College, Oscott.

St Mary's College, Oscott, is the home of the Seminary of the Archdiocese of Birmingham serving the dioceses and religious orders of England and Wales, and has the most beautiful grounds and cemetery.

Resident Ann O'Loughlin said, "I found this morning's walk a real pleasure. If I go anywhere it's usually by car so I don't get out and about much in the fresh air. So this morning to be able to get out and about somewhere close to home that I have never seen before, plus enjoying the fresh air with a group of friends for me was great."

The temperature was cold but not freezing and the air crisp and clear and everyone kept up a steady pace and really enjoyed the fresh air and the chance to do something a little different close to home.

The walk was in aid of the retirement village's Healthy Heart month campaign, which started last week with a gym session in the main village band stand. The distance walked will also be added to the village's mileage target for The ExtraCare Challenge, which is asking residents at every scheme and village to get active in the run up to the London 2012 Games.

The ExtraCare Challenge, inspired by the London 2012 Games, is part of ExtraCare's Activities Programme and is encouraging residents to get active and get involved in the run-up to the 2012 Games.

It has been granted the Inspire mark by the London 2012 Inspire programme, which recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Picture: New Oscott Village residents and staff prepare to set off on their walk!

See more pictures on Flickr!

Did you go on the walk? Tell us about it on Facebook!

For further information, please contact:

Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk