WALKIE TALKIE!

Ella's group for women to make pals is a big hit

- KATIE HEATH

AFTER graduating from university, Ella Thompson had 'absolutely no idea' of what she wanted to do or where she wanted to be.

She considered taking a job in Europe, but one nagging doubt held her back: "How will I make friends when I get there?"

So the 23-year-old, from Bolton, began searching online for groups where young women could meet new people and make new pals.

And what she found changed her life. Inspired by walking communities such as 'City Girl Barcelona' and 'City Girls Who Walk NYC, Ella decided to set up something similar in Manchester.

Six months later Girls Who Walk Manchester have come a long way. Thousands of people have taken part in the weekly walks and the group has gone viral, clocking up 11,000 followers on Instagram.

And it's now been adopted by more than 35 cities and towns nationwide. "It's such a simple concept but has resonated with so many people who can relate to myself and my situation after finishing university," said Ella.