OXFORD is famed as the home of Roger Bannister’s four-minute mile and as half of the most famous rowing rivalry in the world.

Now official figures reveal it is one of the UK’s sportiest cities.

According to a long-term study by Sport England, more than 27 per cent of adults in Oxford indulge in half an hour’s sport, three times a week.

This is up 6.9 per cent – about 10,000 people – from 2005, putting Oxford in the top 10 local authority areas in the country.

Oxford City Council said investment in sports facilities and free gym membership had boosted the number – but admitted a leisure centre price hike may hit this.

The council, which owns six leisure centres and pools along with the Oxford Ice Rink, said a £2m investment had contributed to the rise.

It said the relaunch of a GP referral scheme, where doctors prescribe subsidised exercise in council gyms for conditions ranging from back pain to depression, had also boosted adult exercise uptake.

Councillor Mark Lygo, board member for sport, play and school liaison, said: “It’s fantastic to see yet another rise in the participation levels in the city.

“The recently started health walks are already showing signs of increased participation among those who do not tend to get much exercise and the improvements to the city’s leisure centres are certainly attracting more visitors.”

As reported this week, the council will tomorrow raise leisure centre charges by 6.7 per cent. An adult casual swim will rise from £3.60 to £3.90, for example.

And funding for school sports will be reduced (see panel).

Mr Lygo said: “We just don’t know how that will affect it.

“It may take a slight dip but people are looking for healthier lifestyles so I am hoping money won’t come into it.”

The council said the hike was needed to meet inflation and a rise in VAT.

Headington resident Yadz Strand, 52, who took part in a council dance scheme at Cutteslowe Community Centre, said: “I think exercise is on the up but people are using more things like the Nintendo Wii at home as gyms are becoming more expensive.”

Barton Leisure Centre was among three council centres which got a £2.2m makeover.

Duty manager Ian Griffiths said: “We have seen an increase in the number of people coming to use the facility and take part in leisure activities.”

The survey revealed that 27.9 per cent of adults exercised for 30 minutes, three times a week in West Oxfordshire, 27.4 per cent in the Vale of White Horse, 26.7 per cent in South Oxfordshire and 21.2 per cent in Cherwell.

The Active People Survey is carried out every year by Sport England and a minimum of 500 people are questioned in each area.

Free badminton sessions for the over-50s have been launched at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre.

Sessions are held every Tuesday from 10am until noon and run until Tuesday, March 1.

To book, call the centre on 01865 467020.