Kids – it’s fun to be fit!

A whole week of fun activities for children is being offered in Scarborough this July to encourage their interest in getting fit, keeping healthy and living longer.

To coincide with National Childhood Obesity Week, local children's dietitians and leisure providers have teamed up to offer a variety of free or low cost activities for children and young people of all shapes, sizes and fitness abilities.

Claire Ramsey, Paediatric Specialist Dietitian from York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust explained: "Children over the age of five need to be active for at least 60 minutes everyday on top of any activity they do in school. Introducing our children to new and exciting activities can spark their interest in getting fit, keeping healthy and living longer.

"Nearly one in three children in the UK are obese but their families may be unaware of the problem. Long-term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes can develop in the future but during childhood overweight children can develop joint problems and sometimes find it difficult to keep up with their friends. Eating healthily is very important but increasing activity will help improve health, fitness and self-esteem."

The event runs from Monday 1 until Sunday 7 July and includes children's and young people's bootcamps, circuit training and badminton at Scarborough Leisure centre on Filey Road, all free of charge. For those with a more adventurous spirit there will be climbing at Sunset gym. Hunmanby Hall Sports centre are also offering all their junior classes at half price and a woodland walk for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

To book a place contact Scarborough Children's Dietitians 01723 342415 or contact the leisure centres direct.