A new venture has been launched in Wigan to encourage all the borough’s residents to get fit.

The SHAPE (Sport, Health and Physical Education) initiative – the brainchild of Wigan Council, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and others – aims to encourage at least 3,000 more local people per annum to take part in regular physical activity over the next five years.

Sport and health manager at the Trust, Nick Colledge, said: “SHAPE aims to involve everyone so they can experience the personal enjoyment of being active.”

Through SHAPE, Sport England will be investing £350,000 to support projects to get more people involved across Wigan Borough.

Chief Executive for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Rodney Hill said: "“Sport England’s support has been crucial.

"A whole range of new programmes have been planned including training opportunities for sports coaches and activity programmes aimed at a broad range of people.

"We’re planning a series of year-round events linking with clubs, schools and the borough’s townships. We’re also hoping to provide a range of sporting activities and training camps that will culminate in finals to be held next year to coincide with the 2008 Beijing Olympics.”

Chair of the SHAPE board, Cllr Jim Moodie, added: “Being active doesn’t need to cost a lot of money, there are plenty of opportunities to take part for free.

"Making the most of the outdoors is one way to get fit and healthy and there’s plenty to offer in the borough’s parks and countryside.

“SHAPE is not just aimed at targeting health, it also benefits education, culture, social care, stronger and safer communities and the borough’s economy." Details: www.wlct.org/SHAPE

Photograph: (l to r) Rona Cruickshank (Acting Director for Public Health for Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust), Rodney Hill (Chief Executive of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust), Cllr Jim Moodie (Chair of SHAPE Board), Bernard Walker (Director of Adult Services), and Richard Powell (Assistant Director of Children and Young People’s Services) at Robin Park Arena, Wigan.