People encouraged to put on their walking shoes

Newham Council has launched four free audio-guided walking tours that take people around some of the boroughs most interesting places.

The walks, which each take up to two hours, have been organised with sightseeing company Talking Trip.com. They enable people to discover areas of hidden history and local treasures with their iPod or MP3 as their guide.

The four walks are:

Walk Green Street
This 1.5-hour circular walk showcases an exhilarating mix of Asian fashion and food and Premier League football

Walk Royal Docks
The two-hour walk explores the Royal Docks, Europe's most impressive expanse of enclosed water

Walk Stratford
This 1.5 to two-hour walk takes you on an exciting tour of Stratford, the main gateway to the 2012 Games and already a thriving youthful area full of cultural aspiration

Walk Three Mills
The leisurely one-hour walk features the history, heritage and wildlife of the fascinating Three Mills area.

People can choose the walk they want to go on and then download it to a computer by visiting www.newham.com/attractions.

It can then be uploaded to an MP3 or iPod. You can also print out a map if you want to walk without the audio guide.

Alternatively you can go on a free guided walk led by an expert tour guide. They take place on Friday, August 22 - 11am Green Street and 2.30pm Royal Docks; and Saturday, August 23 - 10am Stratford and 2pm Three Mills.

For booking and meeting points send an email to guided.walks@newham.gov.uk or call 020 8430 4489.

Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: We hope people enjoy the walks. They are a great opportunity for local residents to see what is on their doorsteps and for visitors to see what Newham has to offer. They will also help you keep fit and active.

People going on the walks are advised to allow enough time to complete them at their own pace, take care on busy roads and use pedestrian crossings where possible.