CHILDREN can encourage the adults in their life to get more active by sponsoring them to join a family fitness scheme.

The Sponsor a Grown Up project urges youngsters in the Spennymoor area to find a relative to try a new activity so they can get fit, spend time and have fun together.

Clubs and organisations across the town will host a range of free sessions in six week blocks, the first will run from April 13 to May 24.

They will include walks, cheerleading, archery, dance, netball, football, taekwondo, fairy tale based fitness classes and little wrigglers for babies and their families.

A new six week programme will begin in June.

More than 100 people took part in a pilot scheme in 2010, after which all said they would continue to exercise and sports clubs adapted sessions so different age groups could join.

The project is supported by NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group and the fund is managed by Spennymoor Area Action Partnership.

Kerryann Stewart of Success North-East, which is coordinating the project, said: “Durham County Council’s sports development team and activity providers have pulled together to create a range of sessions to appeal to as many people as possible.

“We hope being sponsored by a child, grandchild or another young person will encourage people of all ages and abilities to try a new activity and go on to be more active for the good of their physical health, their mental wellbeing and to spend quality time with their family.

“Sports clubs will also hope it encourages adults to take on voluntary or coaching roles.”

For more details search for Success North East on Facebook, email kerryann@success.coop or call 07415-495006.