BLACKBURN with Darwen’s councillors have been putting their best feet forward to set an example of staying fit and active during the pandemic.

They have been doing more than paying lip service to the ‘Let’s Do It for Lancashire’ public health campaign.

Assistant executive member for growth Cllr Zainab Rawat said: “I stay active by trying to swap at least one car journey a day and cycle to as many meetings as I can.”

Health and wellbeing boss Cllr Damian Talbot said: “Looking after your health is more important than ever, and the council’s Healthy Weight Declaration shows we are serious about improving the borough’s health.

“We want to enable residents to be more active to maintain a healthy weight which helps you fight diseases including Covid-19.”

Executive member for adult social care and prevention Cllr Mustafa Desai said: “The past year has been tough for most people’s mental health.

“I cannot stress highly enough how simply going for a 10-minute walk can benefit you, physically and spiritually, both of which contribute to mental health and everyday wellbeing.”

Cllr Talbot said: “You can work out at home or outdoors, safely and within the current daily exercise rules. The pandemic has pushed the NHS to its limits, and it’s easy to feel helpless while coronavirus continues to threaten our communities.

“Better health is available to everyone, no matter what their age or ability. Getting active with a health condition doesn’t mean you have to stretch yourself. It’s enough to do what you can, when you can, like going on short walks for 10 minutes a day.”