Durham County Council's (DCC) cabinet is being asked to adopt a new strategy in a bid to help increase opportunities for adults and young people to participate in sport.

The new Playing Pitch strategy is to go before the cabinet on 14 December and aims to outline the level of provision needed to support the council's Sport and Leisure Strategy.

County Durham has among the lowest physical activity levels in the country, which costs the NHS around £8.3m a year in related illnesses, compared to a UK average of £5m.

DCC head of sport and leisure Stephen Howell said: "This strategy is all about providing the opportunity for more people to get active and get involved in sports."