A TEAM of staff at Hyndburn Council is helping to keep staff sickness levels to an all-time low at just six days per employee.

This is below the national average, and less than half the sickness levels seen within the council 10 years ago.

Working with the local primary care trust, the eight-strong ‘Workplace Health Awareness Team’ organises lunchtime events to encourage staff to keep fit and healthy, including walks, cycling, netball, tai chi and yoga.

It also arranges a range of health MOTs for over- 40s, where people can get their blood pressure, weight and cholesterol levels checked.

Coun Pam Barton, cabinet member for health and communities said: “Our staff work hard to deliver great services for local people and we want them to be healthy and happy.”