IN the past year, more adults have become physically active in Cherwell than any other region in Oxfordshire, according to a major new report.

Sport England’s Active Lives Study measures activity levels throughout the country.

The latest results indicate 12,200 more adults are now doing at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week, compared to the year before equating to an 8.2 per cent rise.

ALSO READ: Bicester family compare symptoms during coronavirus vaccine trial

There has also been a 5.9 per cent decrease in inactivity, defined as doing less than 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week, representing the highest shift in the right direction in both areas across Oxfordshire.

Councillor George Reynolds, Cherwell’s lead member for leisure and sport said: “These numbers reflect a commitment from Cherwell District Council to encourage more residents to take up daily exercise by offering a range of different activities to take part in throughout the district.

“From our FAST programme through to our guided health walks, it’s great to see our residents taking advantage of our schemes to improve their general wellbeing."

Cherwell now has 16 guided health walks, attracting 481 people, with 117 more walkers signing up last year.

Elsewhere, more than 1,500 households have joined Cherwell’s Families Active Sporting Together (FAST) programme, encouraging parents to take part in regular exercise with their children.

ALSO READ: Residents urged to celebrate VE Day in their own way at home

The council works closely with Active Oxfordshire, an organisation which seeks to improve the physical activity levels in the county by helping those most in need.

Active Oxfordshire Chair, Alan Webb, said: "We are absolutely delighted to see these latest results from Cherwell and congratulate them for the significant progress they have made in the fight against inactivity in the county.

“This significant increase in adult activity levels shows what can be achieved by working in partnership and using innovative approaches to break down barriers and reach those most in need.

“The COVID-19 crisis has further underlined the critical importance of staying active, connected and healthy."