A TALENTED Cradley Heath artist has teamed up with a local historian to launch a new community company to help people enjoy the canals of the Black Country.

Fran Wilde and Vicki Darby Smith had success with their guided walks of Cradley Heath the pair have decided to expand the project.

The pair have set up Walk Works and are holding four "walk shops" in October which are free to anyone wanting to improve their mental wellbeing.

Vicki said: "No one can know all the history of our canals but there are so many clues as to why and how they were built and used, and what role they have now.

"We do not do the usual guided tours as we are interested in what people see and find out along the way - that's what makes the walk shops.

She added: "Like so many other people we think that walking the canals is like stepping into another world."

Artist Fran Wilde, who is a founder of arts collective Creative Cradley Heath, said: "We will provide guided walks and outdoor events for the education and recreation of the public at large in relation to the arts and heritage of the Black Country.

"Through our walks we hope to enhance the social welfare and life education of the inhabitants of the Black Country and surrounding areas, and improve the understanding of the Black Country by its visitors."

She added: "There are some steps and uneven surfaces and people taking part should wear walking shoes and comfortable clothes for the weather on the day and if the weather is bad, the walk shops will be under cover.

"This project has been funded by the Office of Public Health in Dudley Council."

They walk shops are being held on Thursday, October 2, 9, 16 and 23, between 10.30am and 12 am, and start at the John Northwood statue at Merry Hill Shopping Centre.

Anyone interested can find out more and book a place by emailing walkworks.cic@gmail.com or phoning 07952 563725.