COUNCIL workers are putting their best foot forward to support a campaign which aims to get the North-East moving.

During the next six weeks, staff from Sunderland City Council will take up a challenge to see how many steps they can take.

It is all part of the Everyday Sport Campaign, which aims at getting North-East people to take more exercise for better health.

Using a strap-on pedometer to measure steps, the council staff will walk to work, get off the bus a step early, choose the stairs instead of the lift and take a brisk walk at lunch time in a bid to be more active.

At the end of the six weeks, those who have racked up the greatest number of steps in a week will be recognised.

The council sites involved in the challenge include Sunderland Civic Centre, Jack Crawford House, Sandhill Centre, South Hylton House and the Library and Arts Centre.

Deborah Flannery, project development assistant at Sunderland City Council, said: "When we found out about Everyday Sport, we started thinking about ways in which we could support the campaign and get people involved. This is something that is fun but still involves a challenge."

Everyday Sport, managed by Sport England, aims to demonstrate how easy including physical activity into your life can be.

Hundreds of businesses and schools in the North-East have taken part. For more information, call 0800 587 6000 or log on to www.everydaysport.co.uk