Taking a step forward for green and healthy travel

Jacqueline receives her prize from local radio presenter Phil Tonks

A Stourbridge resident is celebrating winning a walking challenge at her local rail station after taking an amazing 340,000 steps - the equivalent of walking from Dudley to Brighton.

Jacqueline Inman covered an impressive 175 miles on foot during the four week competition launched by transport authority Centro to encourage rail users to walk to Stourbridge Junction rail station instead of going by car.

Participants were given free pedometers and entry forms for the challenge so they could count their steps over four weeks, with the promise of prizes for those covering the most distance on foot.

The aim was to give rail users an incentive to use green and healthy travel to and from the station, helping to cut congestion on local roads and help the environment at the same time.

Jacqueline won the competition by making sure she walked to and from the station every day during her commute as well as taking the opportunity to travel on foot on other journeys.

She was presented with her prize of £80 worth of JJB Sports vouchers by local radio presenter and passenger champion Phil Tonks, who hosts regular programmes on Stourbridge's community radio station 102.5 The Bridge.

Jacqueline said: "I entered the Stourbridge Junction Walking Challenge as I saw it as an ideal opportunity to be 'Green and Lean'.

"My exercise regime had lapsed completely and my only excuse was that I didn't have time, so I decided to get up a little earlier each day and walk to the station.

"A brisk walk uphill left me energised and certainly helped to tone my legs! I am extremely pleased to have won the sports vouchers and now intend to buy a new swimming costume and pace up and down at my local pool!"

The walking challenge links into Centro's Station Travel Plan initiative which focuses on providing the right facilities and information to make it easy for people to travel to rail stations in environmentally friendly ways.

Helen Osborn, Centro's Sustainable Travel Officer said: "We're delighted so many rail passengers are taking the opportunity to travel using green travel modes to catch their train, and that our walking challenge has inspired people to make the journey on foot.

"As part of the Station Travel Plan work we will continue to run events and competitions to encourage sustainable travel across the West Midlands, so keep a look out for posters and leaflets at your local station!"

Phil Tonks, from 102.5 The Bridge and who also works within the passenger transport industry said: "Using trains, trams and buses combined with walking not only helps the environment but improves personal fitness levels. Of course, it also cuts down on traffic congestion too"