ENERGETIC fundraisers aim to boost the coffers of a charity set up to promote sport in a town with a poor health record.

Spennymoor Sporting Academy was founded last year to link new and existing sports organisations in and around the town.

It aims to create opportunities for residents of all age and ability to get more active to improve their health and wellbeing or to develop their talent.

Spennymoor Town Mayor, Councillor Geoff O’Hehir, said: “Unfortunately Spennymoor is one of the worst areas for childhood obesity, that was certainly in mind when the charity was set up.

“If we can get more youngsters playing sport it might help address that problem along with other social benefits.

“As the charity is still in its infancy, its objectives are broad but I think there is great scope to make a difference.”

He said the charity could get involved in many projects from supporting existing sportspeople or the development of new sports to offering grants to help individuals or clubs.

It will enable clubs in the area to share best practice, information and facilities.

Cllr O’Hehir has chosen to support the academy during his term in office with a number of fundraising events.

His campaign has also won the backing of four fundraisers who were inspired to get sporty for the cause.

Steve Webster, branch manager of Lloyds Spennymoor, has assembled a team for a sponsored cycle ride across the country Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19. The bank has agreed to match the funds raised up to £500.

He will be joined by Bishop Auckland-based colleague Karen Lowes and her husband John, a senior engineer at Nissan, and customer Lee Illingworth, 39, a caretaker at Middlestone Moor Primary School.

Mr and Mrs Lowes, aged 51 and 49, from Spennymoor, will ride the 140 miles C2C route from Whitehaven to Sunderland on a tandem bike.

Mr Webster, 49, of Ferryhill, said: “It is a great challenge we want to do but also a way to support a local charity.

“The bank is good at supporting the well known national charities but we really like the thought of supporting something in the community that could get people, particularly youngsters, more active and healthy.”