A CAMPAIGN to encourage residents to try out different sports is ahead of its target at the half way point.

Active Durham is a year-long campaign to combat obesity and improve the health of the city’s residents by promoting a different sport each month.

Organisers hope that, having tried a new sport for free, they will be inspired to continue in the future and develop healthier lifestyles.

After the first six months, around 2,500 people have got involved and tried a new sporting activity, which is ahead of the target numbers.

January has been designated indoor sports month and, so far, more than 500 people have enjoyed indoor karate, kickboxing, fencing and football among others.

Deborah Holmes, development manager for Durham Leisure, said: "We are now six months into our campaign and already around 2,500 people have taken part.

"One of the barriers preventing many people from becoming more active is cost. By taking that away for a whole year we are giving many people the chance to try something new. The numbers speak for themselves."

The project is funded by both Sport England and County Durham Primary Care Trust.

February will be Exercise to Music month, which will see free taster sessions for beginners in everything from salsa to street dance across all six of Durham Leisure’s centres.

The month culminates with 10 hours of free dance and exercise classes for beginners at the Freeman’s Quay leisure complex on February 21-22.

For further information, or to take part, please visit www.activedurham.co.uk or call 0191-301 8556.