COUNCIL chiefs are backing a new drive aimed at getting the district's adults to build more physical activity into their lives.

The campaign is encouraging people to include a brisk, ten-minute walk in their daily routines.

A free mobile phone app – Active 10 – can be downloaded, which shows how much brisk walking a person does throughout the day and provides information and tips.

Councillor Val Slater, Bradford Council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: "It's amazing the health benefits you can get from taking a brisk ten-minute walk and a more active lifestyle generally.

"This campaign fits in with our drive to help residents live happier and healthier lives.

"The beauty of walking is it's free. You don't need any specialist clothing or equipment and it can fit into your everyday life – whether it's walking to work, stretching your legs at lunchtime or visiting your local park."

Dr Chris Harris, a GP involved in Bradford's Healthy Hearts campaign, said: "Simply by eating well, exercising and making small life changes, people can increase their chances of having a relatively trouble-free and independent old age.

"Moderate-intensity physical activity every day, including ten continuous minutes of brisk walking, can lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes."

Search 'Active 10' online for more details and to download the app.