A NEW plan to encourage people of all ages to become involved in sport and exercise has been drawn up.

Darlington's leisure and arts service plan looks at making facilities more widely available to all sections of the community.

The borough council blueprint also considers how to tackle the problems of obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption.

Among the issues raised in the plan are the development of childcare at council venues and a review of what sports facilities are available in different council wards - such as the Zone Active Project, launched last month in the Eastbourne, Lascelles and Park East areas.

Zone Active works to create new sporting opportunities for residents and increase the number of locally-based sports coaches.

There are also plans to expand the Eastbourne area's Get Everyone Motivated (Gem) scheme into the wider community.

Gem is an exercise class that takes place in sheltered housing on a weekly basis and it is hoped it can be extended to include all older people in the town.

The plan also includes a pledge to work to increase the number of pupils taking part in sport and physical activity for at least 45 minutes a day outside school hours.

Following a damning Ofsted report into Darlington's youth service, the council says it is aiming to develop more activities for young people and more accredited courses which can result in a qualification or certificate.

Young people will also be encouraged to train to become sport coaches under the national Step Into Sport programme.

Coun Lee Vasey, cabinet member for leisure, said: "It is important that all art and leisure facilities can be used by everyone in the town.

This plan is a positive step to ensuring there are no barriers to people enjoying what is on offer and in turn improving their quality of life."