THE over-50s will be encouraged to take more exercise if a council is successful in a bid for funding.

Chester-le-Street District Council's leisure services team wants to develop its Healthy Horizons project by securing a £220,000 grant from Active England.

The cash would be used to target those living in deprived areas where people do not have easy access to leisure services. Healthy Horizons aims to address health risks for older people associated with low levels of physical activity.

Leisure services manager Ian Simon said: "There is a growing body of evidence, which suggests that integrated strategies for older people aimed at promoting good health and quality of life, and preventing the delaying of frailty and disability can have significant benefits both for the individual and for society."

People will be able to attend special exercise classes for those at retirement age at village halls and community centres all over the district.

A full-time development worker will be based at Age Concern in Sacriston to identify the needs of the community.

The council will also take on a part-time support worker to organise and publicise events.

A specialist physical activity officer will be based at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre and will manage the implementation of the varied activity programme.

The council expects the three-year project to result in a substantial increase in the number of older people taking exercise.