THERE are hopes that a campaign to promote physical activity pioneered in the North-East could help to win the battle against obesity and ill-health.

The spiralling costs of treating overweight and obese patients is the main reason why the Government is backing the Everyday Sport campaign.

Experts say it is vital to the nation's health to encourage adults and children to do more exercise.

Successfully piloted in the North-East for four months last year - and returning to the region next week - Everyday Sport will get a high-profile national launch in September.

The Department of Health is hoping that the achievements of the campaign in the North-East will be replicated elsewhere in England.

After four months of the Everday Sport campaign, which urged ordinary people to do just a little bit more exercise to boost their fitness levels, research showed that the message got through.

Research found that the number of North-East people who said they planned to get more active went up seven per cent - from 35 per cent to 42 per cent.

Crucially, the number of completely inactive people was reduced by five per cent.

Sport England is so keen to keep up the good work in the North-East that the local campaign is starting up again next week - four months ahead of the national launch.

Next Tuesday, primary school pupils will be put through their paces by members of the Newcastle Falcons rugby team to get this year's campaign off to a flying start.

The event will be followed by launches across the region.

Judith Rasmussen, regional director of Sport England North-East said: "We have got to persuade people to build in extra exercise into their lives so they don't see it as a chore."

Diane Wilson, from Darlington, one of six North-East Everyday Sport champions, said: "It is fantastic that Everyday Sport is going national. It has made a big impact on my life."

Ms Wilson now runs regularly, swims and makes a point of walking to the local shops.

Everyday Sport stresses that everyone should try to build more exercise into their lives by going for walks, cycling, taking the dog out and using the stairs rather than the lift at work.