MALDON residents are being urged to carry out 30 minutes of physical activity every day this month.

A campaign has been launched by the Active Essex Foundation with the aim of raising funds and awareness for the charity which harnesses the positive power of physical activity and sport to engage and support the most deprived communities across Essex.

It also hopes to encourage more people start or increase the amount of physical activity they do every day.

People can attempt the 30:30 challenge, which can either be completed in one 30-minute burst or by three 10-minute bouts of activity throughout the day.

The challenge can also be varied with different sports tried over the 30-day period.

The foundation will be sharing stories and initiatives that have helped inspire people in Maldon to become more active.

This has included a new Bodycare programme, which gave more than 1,500 schoolchildren in the Maldon district expert advice on keeping a healthy and active lifestyle.

David Burnham, Leisure Development Officer at Maldon District Council, said: “The scheme was designed to help stop young people dropping out of exercise and bust myths around diet and exercise.

“The sessions helped break down any barriers in relation to negative experience surrounding exercise, health and activity, and also helped to inspire a culture change within the children by promoting and demonstrating positive outcomes in relation to reducing inactivity, tackling obesity and improve wellbeing and health and fitness.”

For more information, visit www.activeessexfoundation.org or www.3030essex.com.