WHEN it comes to walking and talking, no one can beat Thornbury Power Walkers.

The group - reckoned to be the biggest of its kind in the country - is celebrating two years of combining superlative physical exercise with the noble art of chatting.

"It's all about keeping fit and having a good old natter at the same," said Sara Goldhawk, who started the informal, mostly female walking group in December 2005.

"We have members of all ages and one thing they have in common is the joy of keeping fit by walking in a sociable group. There's generally a lot of chatter and laughter.

"We have a small number of men but it's more popular with women.

"It enables them get out together in a group and walk in places and at times which they perhaps wouldn't choose if they were on their own.

"It's fantastic form of exercise. It can help with toning up and weight loss and it makes you feel great."

Although members are of all ages and abilities, serious power walking does need to be learned.

"To do it really seriously you have to be able to do a 12 minute mile over a sustained period - an average of 5mph," said Sara, who formed the group when she was in training for the London Moonwalk, the annual walk round the capital which raises funds for the fight against breast cancer.

"A few of us in the group regularly take part in events including half marathons. Next year we're be entering an event every single month including the London Moonwalk in May.

"But it's important to stress that the group really is for all abilities - from beginners to experienced walkers - and the social side is very important.

"We walk on Monday and Wednesday evenings, doing perhaps four to six miles, and then on Sundays we do a much more demanding route of up to 22 miles which is obviously necessary if you're taking part in half marathons."

Membership of the group currently stands at around 50 and Sara, who has undergone training with the Racewalking Association, is keen to see that increase.

"We've gone from strength to strength in the last two years but there's still a lot of people out there who haven't heard of us and who would really get a lot out of it," she said.

"It's the perfect way to walk and talk yourself to fitness - and it's free." For more information call Sara on 01454 413115.