GIRLS in the North-East are continuing to lose interest in sport at an early age, according to a study.
Research commissioned by Norwich Union found that the problem was as bad as ever, despite publicity surrounding obesity in youngsters.
Key findings included 23 per cent of secondary schoolgirls in the region admitting to doing no exercise outside of school hours.
Only seven per cent of girls said sport was their favourite activity, with the majority preferring clothes shopping, listening to music and using the Internet.
Daren Carter, director of brand and promotions at Norwich Union, said: "The findings of our survey are quite worrying.
"The Olympics coming to London in 2012 gives us a tremendous opportunity to put sport at the heart of the agenda, but we must ensure the legacy is harnessed and that sport is embraced by all, particularly girls and their parents."
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