A STEERING group has been formed to boost sporting facilities in Radcliffe and tackle obesity.

A survey taken in 2002 revealed that more than one-third of the town's population was overweight.

And the Active Radcliffe scheme aims to encourage more people to take up exercise in a bid to improve their health and well-being.

The steering group will help to develop facilities and make people aware of them through publicity.

Their role will also involve putting together applications for grants, which will be used to fund activities and facilities.

The Government hopes to raise the levels of sport and physical activity, with people participating in 30-minutes of moderate exercise, five times a week.

The survey was commissioned by Bury Primary Care Trust, to monitor the health status of people in Radcliffe. A total of 6,835 questionnaires were distributed in the town and results revealed that 38 per cent of residents were overweight.

A public consultation held in July 2003 will now see new and existing facilities developed and better advertised to encourage more people to get active.