Bankies are being urged to kick-start the New Year by vowing to Walk All Over Cancer.

Cancer Research UK’s latest fundraising campaign is perfect for anyone who feels they’ve over indulged this Christmas.

It involves participants getting sponsored to walk 10,000 steps every day for a month.

Walking 10,000 steps at a brisk pace could burn around 500 calories – the equivalent of two mince pies or a couple of slices of Christmas cake.

Lisa Adams, the charity’s spokeswoman for Scotland, said: “January is the perfect time to commit to get a bit more active and signing up to Walk All Over Cancer is a great way to kick-start a healthier lifestyle.

“Not only will taking on the challenge help raise money, it has health benefits as well. Moderate exercise can help build stamina, burn excess calories and protect against a range of diseases including cancer.

“Participants can tackle our Walk All Over Cancer challenge in their own way. They can take part on their own or ask family, friends and colleagues to join them. We are encouraging people to visit our website and sign up now.

“However, they don’t need to pull on their walking boots until March, when the warmer weather will make it even easier to get off the sofa and get moving.

“10,000 steps is equal to about five miles, based on the average person’s strides. That’s quite a challenge for many people. “But adopting small lifestyle changes – from walking to work or taking the stairs instead of the lift – will help make the goal feel achievable.

“Cancer survival has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress – but every step our doctors, nurses and scientists take relies on donations from the public and the tireless fundraising of our supporters.

To sign up and receive a fundraising pack, with tips and ideas to help with the challenge, visit cruk.org/walkallover.