A CAMPAIGN to get people in the North-East off their sofas and into sport will be launched today.

The region will pilot Sport England's Everyday Sport scheme, which aims to combat rising levels of obesity and the economic burden it places on health services.

The North-East was selected for the four-month test because the region has some of the lowest levels of participation in exercise and sport.

To attract people to the launch, outside the Baltic arts centre, in Gateshead, the Rugby World Cup and the FA Cup will be on display together for the first time.

Roger Draper, chief executive of Sport England, said people in the North-East were passionate about sport, but did not do enough.

He said: "We want to try to convert some of that armchair support in the North-East to physical involvement.

"We have to transform attitudes to physical activity and sport, encouraging people to be more active and persuading them of the benefits."

Tim Cantle-Jones, chairman of Sport England's North-East Sports Board, said: "Through this campaign we aim to show that you can get active without disrupting today's busy lifestyles and without needing to be a fitness enthusiast.

"We want to empower people to be more active in a way that suits them and their lives."

Sport clubs offering taster sessions will attend the launch. Events are taking place across the region, call (0800) 587 6000, or go to www. everydaysport.com