Healthy Dales folk leading the way

According to a study by Sport England, the percentage of adults taking exercise at least three times a week has risen from 26.6 per cent to 29.2 per cent in the Dales – not only the highest level in Derbyshire, but also the fifth highest level in England.

Sport England’s annual Active People Survey measures the activity of people over 16 over a period of four weeks and compares recorded levels with other local authority areas.

Chairman of Derbyshire Dales District Council’s communities committee, Cllr Carol Walker welcomed the findings as proof that authority’s health initiatives were succeeding..

She said: “We know from listening to people that healthy lifestyles are a priority and the district council is proud of ongoing initiatives, including the opening of Arc Leisure Matlock.

“Tremendous progress has also been made with our Village Games and Doorstep Sport programmes, and we continue to increase numbers on our free Walking for Health schemes.

“But we are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful districts in the whole of the UK and, particularly at this time of year when people are determined to improve their health regimes, it’s great to make sport and physical activity readily available.”

The authority also sent praise to the many people who give their time to volunteer in sport locally after the Dales was found to have one of the highest volunteer percentages in the country.