OLYMPIC bronze medal-winning boxer Tony Jeffries won a race against a 109-year-old tram yesterday as he launched a campaign to promote exercising outside.

The North-East fighter took part in the challenge at the Beamish open-air museum to encourage people to exercise outdoors in the region’s beauty spots.

The Sunderland-born boxer did a mile sprint from the museum entrance, past Pockerley Manor, and into the main street of the historic town.

He said: “I didn’t think I was going to win. I started out fast ahead of it, but it started catching me and I was exhausted.

“It would have been a bit embrarrassing losing out to a tram that is 109 years old.”

The race launched County Durham’s first-ever Outdoor and Active Week, in which 12 free and subsidised events are taking place across the county from April 13 to 16.

County Durham Tourism Partnership is offering people the chance to enjoy free mountain bike hire at Hamsterley Forest, join guided walks in the Durham Dales and along the Durham Heritage Coast, and try new activities at clubs, museums, parks and gardens.

Melanie Sensicle, chief executive of County Durham Tourism Partnership, said: “Outdoor and Active Week is our way of highlighting how our beautiful landscapes, countryside, parks and gardens offer year-round opportunities to get outdoors, burn calories and enjoy time with friends and families.”

■ Go to visitcountydurham.com/site/outdoor-and-active/outdoor-andactive-week