An 86-year-old who has been a volunteer walk leader for almost two decades is retiring.

Dominic Carlton started volunteering for Chichester District Council's Heart Smart Walk programme in 2005 after he suffered a heart attack at the gym.

He decided that after his recovery, he would join the programme to exercise at a slower pace.

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Dominic then became a volunteer walk leader for the programme and has lead an average of three to four walks per month every year.

He has travelled over 3,500 miles in almost 20 years.

Dominic said: "I've always enjoyed the outdoors, even as a young boy growing up during the Second World War I spent a lot of time living and enjoying being outside, always going for walks.

"At boarding school, I often did cross country, and even open water swimming, so enjoying exercise has always been part of who I am.

"Even now I go to Westgate Leisure Centre at least once a week to use the gym."

Dominic - who used to work for West Sussex County Council - also said the programme was a way for him to socialise and meet new people.

He said: "After I retired from work, unfortunately I suffered a heart attack one morning in the gym.

"And once I was better it was suggested to me that the Heart Smart Walks programme would be a good way to still do exercise and enjoy the outdoors, but at a slower pace.

"It was also a lovely opportunity to socialise and meet new people, and I think that's what people enjoy most about the walks.

"They get to see the beautiful landscape of the district, at a nice pace and with the chance of meeting new people.

"It's a great way to connect with others, I've even been on a couple of walks separate to the programme with some of the more regular walkers I've met over the years. It's a lovely way to bond."

Dominic, who is vision impaired and can no longer go out as often as he used to, said he is aiming to still join in with some walks.

He plans to spend much of his retirement gardening at home.

More information about the HeartSmart walks can be found at https://www.chichester.gov.uk/heartsmart.

Councillor Tracie Bangert, cabinet member for community and wellbeing at Chichester District Council, explains: "The HeartSmart walks are very popular among residents, and Dominic has been such a fantastic leader for the programme.

"We will miss him and his wealth of knowledge, he has been such a star.

"We always want to encourage even more people to make the most of an activity that's so good for their heart, health, and state of mind and Dominic and the other leaders have been great champions for this.

"The walks are a lovely way for residents to meet new people and tackle loneliness, which brings further benefits to people's wellbeing."

Dominic will be taking part in his last official walk on Wednesday, July 31.

The route will start in front of The Guildhall in Priory Park, Chichester.