A QUARTER of a million pounds is being allocated by a North-East council as part of a drive to help people get fit.

Newcastle City Council has earmarked £250,000 over normal sport and leisure spending in support of Newcastle's Year of Exercise and Sport 2006.

It was launched in November last year by Sir Bobby Robson and has been organised to encourage people in Newcastle to lead more active lives.

The money will fund a range of programmes to help people of all ages try out a variety of different sports and activities throughout the year.

Many of these activities will be on a one-off free or subsidised basis.

A programme of events has already been drawn up and will be added to throughout the year.

Councillor David Faulkner, executive member for culture, heritage, libraries and sport, said "While we are great supporters and viewers of sport in this area, we don't get involved as participants as much as people elsewhere.

"We want to shake things up and create some real momentum to make sport and physical activity accessible and enjoyable and, to prove that we practise what we preach, we will also be getting council members involved."

More information is available from the Yes 2006 Hotline on 0191-278 3093.