Shoppers are being encouraged to get fit

"Mall-walking" is the latest US health craze to be imported into Britain in a bid to encourage people to exercise.

The scheme, part of the "Walking the Way to Health Initiative" (WHI), is being launched at the White Rose Shopping Centre, where a special quarter-of-a-mile route has been mapped through its ground floor.

Organisers hope the daily walks, held before the shops open, will attract people who do not usually take much exercise.

Cathy Munro, of South Leeds Health For All, said: "Its one of those things that we're trying to get people to do as the first step towards an active lifestyle.

"Walking is a sure and safe way to health and fitness for most people and is also a great way of making new friendships."

To actually go there [to a shopping centre] for the one purpose of walking strikes me as peculiar idea A Leeds shopper

Many shoppers in the city think the scheme could work.

One woman told BBC Radio Leeds: "I think it's probably a good idea in bad weather - it's a group activity that anyone can get involved with."

But one man dismissed mall-walking as a gimmick when asked about the merits of the scheme.

He said: "I walk through this town about twice a day as a routine to get from one place to another.

"To actually go there [to a shopping centre] for the one purpose of walking strikes me as peculiar idea."