FIVE sports coaches have been hired to increase the number of people taking exercise.

Active Richmondshire worked with North Yorkshire Sport and Sport England to appoint them.

One coach will work with five and six-year-olds to build their confidence and self-esteem. The aim is to ensure a fifth of pupils carry out at least an hour of after-school activity a week.

Another coach will be based at Low Mill Outdoor Centre, in Askrigg, and encourage schools and youth groups to try activities such as canoeing and orienteering.

Yorebridge Sports Development Association, also in Askrigg, will work with two coaches on cricket, fitness and healthy living. A full-time swimming coach will work with the Richmond and Dales Swimming Club.

Active Richmondshire was created earlier this year as part of a Sport England initiative to create more sport and physical activity opportunities.

Phil Woodyer, Active Richmondshire's chairman, said: "We are delighted. As a new organisation, we are working hard to establish ourselves amongst the local sports and active pursuits community.

"Our current priority is to create a portfolio of projects needing Sport England support over the next three years."