THE quest for health and fitness started yesterday for dozens of people who aim to clock up a ton this year.

Wear Valley District Council's Ton-Up Challenge was launched for the third consecutive year at Peases West Athletics Ground, in Crook.

People taking part will work towards personal targets of exercising for a total of 100 minutes, covering 100 laps of an athletics track or walking or jogging 100 miles.

They can also join organised walks through the Wear Walking for Health Initiative, an initiative to promote healthy living in the area.

Children from Peases West Primary School joined fitness enthusiasts of all ages to launch this year's challenge with a few laps of the track.

Wear Valley District Council chairwoman Councillor Margaret Jones said: "It was lovely to see so many people of different ages preparing to take part in the challenge.

"Setting a target of 100 minutes or miles of exercise, whatever people feel capable of completing, is a good way spurring yourself on to do regular activities."

The Northern Echo has teamed up with Wear Valley District Council, Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and Northumbrian Water to launch the A Chance To Live campaign to promote healthy lifestyles in the district, which has one of the worst health records in the country.

For details of Ton-Up Challenge events telephone Lynn Wilson on (01388) 765555.