A community sports project, backed by more than £184,000, has been launched in Darlington.

The Zone Active initiative will attempt to encourage people in the Eastbourne, Lascelles and Park East areas of the town to get on the right path to fitness.

The initiative will bring together a number of organisations in a bid to create new sporting activities.

The project is a result of consultation with local people about what activities they want to see.

There are also plans to increase the number of volunteers and coaches working with the community.

Darlington District Youth and Community Association, supported by the borough council and Darlington Primary Care Trust, has secured £184,470 over three years from Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund for the scheme.

For one of the first activities, two councillors will be getting a 'health MOT' at Rosemary Court, in Fenby Avenue, this week.

Councillors Wendy Newall and Jackie Maddison will be the first to try out the new fitness tests, which will also be offered to residents.

The tests will measure blood pressure, resting heart rate, flexibility, body fat, weight and grip strength.

A personal health and fitness plan will then be drawn up using the test results.

Lee Vasey, the council's cabinet member for leisure, said: "The Zone Active project is a great way to get more people more interested in sport and physical activity.

"The free mini MOTs are a good place for people to start thinking about their fitness and how to improve it."

"We would encourage as many people as possible to get involved in this new scheme and see the benefits it has to offer."

The Zone Active team will be at the Maidendale House community centre, on the Firthmoor estate, tomorrow, between noon and 4pm.

For more information about the scheme, telephone (01325) 388423.