A popular Facebook group which aims to encourage positivity has joined forces with Tyneside and Northumberland Mind to launch a new campaign.

The Smile for a Mile 1000 challenge encourages people to walk and join their miles together, to reach a collective 1000 mile target and raise money for the mental health charity.

Throughout the month, they are holding themed walk days, such as ‘cute pet walk day’, and on April Fools’ Day, people walked wearing fancy dress and false moustaches.

Karyn Thompson set up the Smile for a Mile Facebook group, encouraging people to walk for a mile and post photos of anything which made them smile.

Karyn said: “Although the group is now international, its routes are firmly in the North East and I therefore wanted to link up with local mental health charity Tyneside and Northumberland Mind to raise funds for them and help support local mental health services, as well as help to raise mental health awareness and improve local wellbeing by helping people smile, share their smiles and get active.”

Alex Wilson, CEO of Tyneside and Northumberland Mind, said: “We really thought the Smile for a Mile Facebook group and the positivity and wellbeing it seems to bring its members was inspiring.

“We were delighted when Karyn wanted to link a campaign to the charity, so we together launched the Smile for a Mile 1000 campaign on April 1 to encourage people to get out and walk, smile, share and raise funds.”

To join the campaign, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/smile-for-a-mile-1000-tickets-146412255999

And to donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/smileforamile