HUNDREDS of people across East Lancashire will get a taste of healthy living as part of a national initiative.

Three councils in the area have signed up for the Active For Life weekend on September 20 and 21. The aim is to get people interested in the leisure and sporting activities on offer across East Lancashire.

According to the organisers of the campaign around sixty per cent of the population do not take enough exercise to stay healthy.

A spokesman for organisers, the Health Education Authority, said: "Being physically active doesn't have to mean being an Olympic athlete. "Going for a brisk walk or doing a spot of energetic gardening can all help make a you fitter if done on a regular basis."

Burnley, Pendle and Blackburn with Darwen Council are supporting the get fit campaign.

Leisure centres in Blackburn and Darwen aim to tempt newcomers who will be given the chance to try out a range of sports.

The "come and try" sessions will include bowling, short tennis, badminton, dancing and swimming.

Ribble Valley Council is offering a day's worth of exercise for the over 50s at a bargain price of £1.50.

Roefield Leisure Centre and Ribblesdale Pool, both in Clitheroe, are being used to host the fitness classes.

Guided walks along the River Ribble are also being organised by the town hall.

Burnley Council has decided to take a different approach and is organising a series of wacky events including a pass the pooch race.

Families and their pets are invited to take part in the relay race and an there will also be an open air line dancing competition.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.