WATCH: Kids get walking for Niall's Miles

The initiate, set up six years ago by Sunderland legend Niall Quinn, aims to encourage children to walk a mile every day to keep fit and active.

The latest event took place today at Hylton Castle, in Sunderland.

Joined by Black Cats mascots Samson and Delilah, the group walked a mile around the grounds.

Derek Milburn, 72, has taken part in every Niall’s Miles event alongside his nine-year-old grandson Joseph. Derek, from Houghton, said: “We’ve taken part in every single one.

“I like Niall Quinn and I think he’s done a lot for the city. It gets the bairns out and about.”

Joseph added: “I really like doing the walks. It keeps me fit and I like spending time with my grandad.”

Leanne Okafor, 32, from Red House, was taking part with her son Kyle, 10, and daughter Angel, two.

She said: “This is our first time taking part. One of the girls on the school run mentioned it and I thought we’d come along and give it a go.

“It’s a great idea and a good way to encourage kids to walk more. Mine definitely walk a mile a day going to school and back but it’s still great to get involved.”