People across Southampton are being encouraged to step up for Diabetes UK's walking challenge this summer.

The One Million Step Challenge, running from July 1 to September 30 calls for residents to complete one million steps in three months.

That’s around 10,000 steps a day.

The aim is to improve fitness and mood while raising funds for crucial diabetes research.

Challenge aims to boost fitness while funding vital Diabetes UK initiativesChallenge aims to boost fitness while funding vital Diabetes UK initiatives (Image: Diabetes UK) There are more than 114,355 people living with diabetes across the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board area, and more than 4.6 million across the UK living with a diabetes diagnosis.

Diabetes UK invite people to participate in the challenge wherever suits them, be it around the house or in the garden.

Television presenter and Diabetes UK ambassador, Craig Rowe, said: "After finding out I had prediabetes, I have seen first-hand how things like staying active can improve your health.

"That’s why I’m taking on the One Million Step Challenge this year, to support the incredible work of Diabetes UK and keep myself moving.

"I’d love for others to join me on my stepping journey."

Diabetes UK’s head of South West and South Central, Phaedra Perry, added: "The One Million Step Challenge is a fantastic way to stay active this summer while making a real difference to the lives of people living with diabetes.

"Every step you take and every pound you raise will help us to fund research for new treatments, campaign for better care, and provide vital support through our helpline."

The challenge offers varying levels of difficulty, with newcomers invited to take on the half million challenge, equivalent to around 5,400 steps per day, and more experienced walkers encouraged to tackle the 1.7 million step challenge.

The latter is the equivalent of walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Registration is open with no compulsory minimum sponsorship fee at step.diabetes.org.uk.

The One Million Step Challenge is backed by GLL, which operates more than 250 Better centres around the UK.

GLL Customer and Communities Director Joseph Rham said: "We are delighted to be supporting Diabetes UK’s Million Step Challenge."