KEIGHLEY district children are being urged to get active this summer.

Bradford Council health chiefs are backing an initiative aimed at upping youngsters' activity levels during the holidays.

And adults are being encouraged to provide a lead.

The Change4Life 10 Minute Shake-up campaign aims to help children achieve the recommended hour of activity each day, through ten-minute bursts.

Latest figures show just 21 per cent of boys and 16 per cent of girls currently meet the recommended level, but three-quarters of children aged five to 11 want to do more physical activity.

Councillor Val Slater, deputy council leader and portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: "Every ten-minute burst of exercise can make a real difference and helps children get the 60 minutes they need each day.

"Increased activity is good for a child's physical, social and mental wellbeing, as well as helping build social skills and boosting their self-confidence.

"Parents and grandparents getting involved and playing with their children not only sets a good example when it comes to exercise, but also helps them learn in a fun way for everyone."

When the campaign was staged last year, nearly 4,500 families across Bradford district signed up – the second highest figure in Yorkshire.

The venture is backed by the Amateur Swimming Association and Disney, with the bursts of activity – or Shake-ups – inspired by favourite Disney characters.

Research reveals swimming is among children's favourite activities during the summer, but nearly a third of mums felt too self-conscious to take part in family swims.

Seventy-one per cent of parents admitted their children would most likely be more physically active if they were too.

Behind the campaign – which runs until September 4 – is Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health.

A spokesman said: "Building a bit of activity into your day keeps your heart healthy reduces your risk of serious illness and strengthens muscles and bones.

"Any burst of ten-minute activity counts as a Shake-up and goes towards the hour of physical activity kids need each day."

Visit Bradford.gov.uk/summer for more information about activities in the district.

Further details about the campaign can be found at the nhs.uk/change4life website.