A SOLDIER medically discharged from the army is hoping to get people active with bootcamp walks through the countryside.

Simon Schofield, 42, of Uplands, Stroud, was discharged from the Royal Logistics Corps after 18 years service due to prolapsed discs in his back.

Unable to find work that doesn't cause him too much pain, Simon decided to use his military expertise in a new business venture, called Muddy Feet Fitness, which holds sessions in woodlands around Stroud.

"I wanted to help people overcome injuries and lose weight in a fun way," Simon said.

"My back pain stops me from doing certain types of exercise but I can walk for miles, so I decided to build a fitness programme around walking.

"There is no running involved, just brisk walking with or without weight, on cross country forest tracks."

Simon added: "Going to the gym can be mundane. It is like being a kid again running through puddles and woodlands.

"I use my leadership skills from the army and do a lot of shouting at people, but that's all part of the fun."

Simon takes teams of 12 on walks through secluded woodlands with group challenges and team building exercises along the way.

He is a member of the British mountaineering council and is a qualified mountain leader.

For more information go to www.facebook.com/MuddyFeetFitness