A SCHEME to encourage people to get more active is celebrating its first anniversary.

The Go Passport to Leisure initiative offers discounted membership to council-run leisure centres in the Hambleton district.

So far, more that 2,000 people have signed up, with leisure bosses hoping to increase that still further next year.

Operating from the centres in Bedale, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk, the scheme encourages participation from all areas of the community in exercise and activities to promote healthy lifestyles.

Those who can benefit include students, people with a disability, those over 60 and retired from full-time work as well as people with low incomes.

For a membership fee of £1 a year, discounts of £1 off a single swim and nearly £6 off gym induction can be taken up.

Scheme spokesman Adam Moseley said: "Improving the health of the community is one of the priorities of the district council. The Go Passport scheme is helping us do this."