A DIABETES sufferer and campaigner is putting his best foot forward after being awarded a £2,500 grant to help people who are ill.

Lynwood Newman, 55, of Littlemoor Road, Wey-mouth, aims to improve lives in Dorset by launching new walking groups.

He wants to focus on people with chronic illnesses as well as those who have let their health lapse through neglect or lack of motivation.

Philadelphia-born Mr Newman, who was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 40 when he was in the US Air Force, believes that physical exercise like walking can go a long way to boost a person's well-being.

He is known in Weymouth for his community work including as a walk leader with Weymouth and Portland Amblers, fundraiser for the Joseph Weld and Trimar Hospice and CancerCare Dorset Trust, and representative on diabetes support and patient care groups.

Mr Newman, who walks more than six miles a day and is also a keen ten-pin bowler, received a Millennium Award from UnLtd, a charity which describes itself as supporting 'social entrepreneurs' - people who have ideas and commitment to make a difference in their communities.

The organisation provides a complete package of funding and support to help individuals to start up and run projects that deliver social benefit.

Mr Newman will use the cash to develop a roadshow to help him get the message out to people.

His aim is to establish a volunteer network of walk leaders to set up new groups.

He said: "Winning this prestigious award will allow me to reach out to others to improve their health as a matter of prevention and health improvement.

"It's great to see people return to good health whenever possible."