A FOUR-YEAR action plan to improve the take up of exercise in County Durham will be unveiled this week.

Durham Sport is to launch its strategic plan at Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside Ground, in Chester-le-Street. The programme is designed to increase the number of people taking regular exercise and promote more active lifestyles.

The blueprint, to be unveiled on Friday, sets out to encourage organisations from volunteers groups, councils and health bodies to work together to promote exercise.

Alyson Learmonth, director of public health at Sedgefield Primary Care Trust, said: "Regular physical activity for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, helps you feel good in yourself.

"It also has a demonstrated impact in reducing serious medical conditions."