Dozens of people from North Glasgow played walking football as part of a special event.

It was organised by Glasgow Life and charity Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) on Friday, which launched its Health Defence project at Maryhill Hub this year.

To encourage a healthier lifestyle, locals were invited to play matches against each other at Glasgow Club Maryhill, after getting their blood pressure checked out.

Drawing attention to regular exercise and a balanced diet, a sea of information was also available to help participants make better lifestyle choices.

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Kevin Miller, health defence coordinator at CHSS, said: “The event has given us a wonderful opportunity to meet with members of the community, doing something they enjoy but also it gave us an avenue to talk to them about their health and the importance of being healthy and doing things that will support them over the long turn.

“People have come here and they want to participate, so that means that the people themselves are taking action to do something and keep themselves healthy so that I really important.

“It also gives us an opportunity to support them on their journey, which is what Health Defence is all about.”

Chris Docherty, community engagement coordinator at CHSS, said: “I’m delighted because this was a fantastic turnout. We’ve got a real range of people here.

“Some that may have never played football before and ones that have been playing for years.

“It is important to understand that walking football in Glasgow is really taking off and people are keen to get involved in a game.

“It has been very encouraging."

READ MORE: Eight more Glasgow Life community venues to re-open but dozens remain shut

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Allan Cowie, chief executive of Chest Heart and Stroke, said: “I played and it was an absolute scream.

“What was great is that it is clear that the passion is still there, just at a slower pace.

“All the underlying aggression is there and then, there is the crack.

“The conversation between these guys is amazing, winding themselves up, having a laugh.

It is not only good for you physically, but emotionally and mentally as well and this is something we as a charity will encourage all men and women to get involved in.”

Walking football sessions in Glasgow have been running for seven years.

It is a slower, more inclusive version of the sport, where running is not involved.

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Glasgow Times: Allan Cowie, chief executive of Chest Heart and StrokeAllan Cowie, chief executive of Chest Heart and Stroke (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland launches Health Defence project in Glasgow's Maryhill

Matt Ramsay, football participation officer for Glasgow Life, said: “Walking football has grown so much over the last number of years and it’s not just the physical benefits, it’s the mental and social benefits as well.

"We are up to having just over 200 participants attending on a weekly basis and may of them were here.

“We also started our women-only session, which is growing in number as well and we have a dementia- and a Parkinson’s-only session as well.

“It varies what kind of people come along, there is a stigma about what walking football is, it’s not just old men kicking a ball about.

“There are people who come about who are fit, for the social benefit that they get out of it.

“There are people who come for health reasons, who may have a health history and for them, the benefit is improving.

“We have seen a huge benefit in people who were inactive, they came along to walking football and now want to run again. A lot of them will say that it has saved their lives.