Fight the flab - join pub walk (From Free Press Series)

Fight the flab - join pub walk

A PUB LANDLORD and his local customers are leading the way in fighting the flab as obesity is dubbed Britain's 'big fat problem'.

Numbers of obese people in Torfaen are spiralling so Mathew Hiscock, 26, who runs The Carpenter's Arms in Coed-y-paen decided to back his customer's idea to get pro-active.

He is planing to lead walks in the beautiful area surrounding Llandegfedd reservoir before heading back to the pub for a roast dinner.

Mr Hiscock said: "It is a great idea because it means that people don't just come to eat and then go home again.

"The walks give people the chance to meet others and get to know each other, so hopefully there will always be a face you recognise when you come here."

Mr Hiscock is a former championship rower and still enjoys adrenaline-pumping sports like wind surfing; so on Sunday mornings he steps the other side of the bar and into the countryside with his customers.

The morning jaunts have been up and running for just a couple of weeks but already they have built up a few regular walkers.

Mr Hiscock said: "There are various walks on offer with a target time of around an hour to an hour and a half and they seem to be going well. We hope those who have enjoyed themselves tell others."

Anyone interested in a stroll on a Sunday can call the pub on 01291 672621.