Upping the activity ante in North Leek

Whilst the long hot days of the summer holidays are now just a memory it's hoped that the activity habits formed by youngsters from two Haregate schools won't be!

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is developing a new healthy living programme aimed at increasing the opportunities for local people to get active.

As part of that programme, the Council worked with Beresford Memorial CE First School, Churnet View Middle School, specialist sports activity firm ASM Sports and Port Vale FC Foundation Trust to provide a summer activity programme of over 20 different multisports ranging from football and tennis to scooter fun, crazy golf and the disability sport boccia.

And with around 25 children attending both sites each day local young people certainly seized the opportunity to stay active during the summer break.

Councillor Mike Bowen, cabinet member for communities, leisure and sport, said: "This type of partnership with local schools is a fantastic example of how, by working together, we can provide low cost, high quality activities - and this is just the start of our new healthy living programme aimed at increasing the opportunities for people living in the Leek North area to get more active.

"We're delighted to have supported this holiday scheme which, we hope, helped local families who can find child care and keeping their children entertained a challenge over the long break!  But, as importantly, I hope that all those who took part in activities they already enjoy, or found exciting new ones, formed life-long habits that will see them staying active in the coming months and years."

The Council will continue to work with local schools, the local community centre, leisure centres and other partners to increase the opportunities for people living in the area to be more active.