AN abseiling pensioner from Blackburn, who found comfort in sport after the death of his wife, is to star in a major campaign to promote healthy living.

Plucky Ted Howarth, 83, has been chosen by Government sport chiefs to help tackle the borough's growing obesity crisis.

The resident of Bolton Road, Blackburn, took up a hectic routine after his wife Grace, 79, died in 2002 from a stroke.

He counts horse riding and cycling among his regular activities and has even been abseiling and canoeing on an adventure holiday.

He said: "When I lost my wife I thought I can either sit in the house or get out'. I decided to get out. It has given me the strength to say right, don't give up now'.

"I cared for my wife for more than 10 years and I thought if I can do it for my wife I can do it for myself'. She would have said get out there and do something'."

Ted's story is to form part of a poster campaign by Sport England. The Government agency is targeting just four areas in an attempt to get more people to take up regular physical activity - with Ted leading the charge.

The retired newsagent has also tried his hand at tai chi and even piloted a small plane.

He said: "I hope people will see what I can do and have a go themselves, it will hopefully encourage them.

"A lot of people as soon as they turn 65 they think that's me, I'm just going to sit in a chair and enjoy myself'. But I don't think that's enjoying yourself.

"I am a lot healthier now than I was before. It does you a lot of good to get off your backside.

"I feel great. I can walk for miles. I do a half-mile walk before breakfast and I walk three miles every day."

Ted, whose newsagents was in Bolton Road, said people should make an effort to do some exercise each day, no matter how small. He said: "I walk into town whenever I can and I think that's a great way to keep fit.

"But you don't have to walk into town even, people could walk past a couple of bus stops on the way, that's how I started off."

Stewart Kellett, North West director of Sport England, said: "It's fantastic Blackburn with Darwen has been chosen as one of the areas for the campaign. Ted will help inspire others to get active by showing how easy it is through real-life experiences."