AWALK from work wearing red will highlight the benefits of a healthy heart and promote the loveLIFe campaign.

Several dozen office workers will be converging on Torre Abbey Meadows in Torquay as part of the British Heart Foundation's Wear It Red fundraising week on February 29.

The walk from Torquay town centre and Preston will be followed by a sociable picnic in the meadows, a spot of Tai Chi and some information on the loveLIFE campaign and cycling.

Staff and clients from the Hollicombe Resource Centre, Walnut Lodge drug and alcohol primary care centre in Chelston, Torbay Council and care staff from Roebuck House and Torbay Care Trust staff from Union House will be walking from work down to the seafront.

They will be encouraged to pledge their steps to the loveLIFE campaign.

It comes as figures show that more people die from heart and circulation problems and disease in the deprived wards of Torbay.

The rate of premature deaths in men in Torbay is higher than the national, and significantly higher than the regional rates. Rates of premature deaths in women is lower than the national figures, but significantly higher than in the rest of the South West

Donna Langford, Torbay Care Trust's human resources project officer who works in wellbeing for work in the trust, said: "We previously backed a national Workout at Work Day and we found we got quite a big response on that from staff. With heart disease being one of the biggest killers, we thought it would be a good day to promote walking, healthy lifestyles, doing something during your lunchtimes.

"We have also been promoting the NHS Challenge to our staff to get people out and about on their lunch breaks and taking an adequate break from their work, while promoting healthy living and exercise.

"We are currently in fourth place on the leader board — hopefully with more promotion we can get more members and more miles logged.

"On February 29 staff just have to wear something red, it doesn't matter what it is."

Donations made by staff to BHF will be collected on the day.

Richard Merryfield from the care trust's lifestyle team, who promote healthier living to patients and residents, said they aimed to converge at Torre Abbey meadows at 12.30pm.

Michelle Radant, the Bikeability officer from Torbay Council, will have a display on cycling for adults and a short Tai Chi session is planned, weather permitting.

Any staff wanting to join the walk can pledge their steps on the loveLIFE website www.heraldexpress lovelife.co.uk or contact Richard on 07917 246071.