RESIDENTS across West Somerset and Sedgemoor are being encouraged to get outside and get active.

Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) is launching a new project this August, which aims to get people moving in their area.

SASP believes communities in the Sedgemoor and West Somerset areas will benefit from high quality exercise sessions delivered by experienced, well qualified and insured instructors. This will be provided at low cost and gives communities opportunities to come together socially whilst utilising their local open spaces.

Sessions will include: family activities, fit for your life general fitness sessions, running groups and walking football.

The project is funded through EDF and the Hinkley point CIM fund and will also be working with several local partners including Sedgemoor District Council.

This idea was inspired by the need to combating inactivity levels in Somerset, but also to encourage families and friends to take part in fun social activity together.

According to Public Health England, one in five adults in Somerset do less than 30 minutes of activity per week, and one third of adults in Somerset do less than 150 minutes of activity each week. The link between physical activity and good health is proven, and national statistics now show that four in five young people are not active enough to maintain good health.

The Active Spaces project is set to launch in August 2018 and will be starting in the following areas: Williton Memorial Ground, Watchet Memorial Ground, Nether Stowey Recreation Ground, Stogursey Victory Hall Playing fields and Manor Park (also known as Crosses Penn play area) in Burnham on Sea.

Gareth John, Active Spaces project lead, said: "Active Spaces will offer people exciting opportunities in their local areas to move more, get active and reap the physical and emotional benefits of physical activity. We are looking forward to launching this in August."

For more information contact Gareth John by phone on 01823 653990 and email enquiries@sasp.co.uk.

All details on location of sessions, costs and instructors, can be found on the fresh new website activespaces.co.uk and Facebook page ‘ActivespacesSASP’.