MORE than 3,000 people took part in the fifth annual Get Active Day.

Organised by Swindon Council's lifestyle development team, the day aims to encourage everyone to do at least 15 minutes of exercise.

Lifestyle manager Fran Pound said: "This is the fifth time we have held the event and every time we get more and more people taking part.

"The idea is to encourage people of all ages to take up some form of exercise. The benefits of even doing a small amount of aerobic exercise are enormous, ranging from weight loss, improved muscle tone and even psychological benefits."

All council leisure sites were offering a range of special events and deals for users, including half-price classes and free swimming.

Among the numerous groups taking part were Age Concern, which encouraged members to take part in a walk around the County Ground athletics track, ending the event with a giant conga.

And children got in on the act, with pupils from Shaw Ridge Primary School stepping out for a health-giving stroll before lessons yesterday.

Supermarkets Asda and Sainsbury's supported the event by donating a range of thirst-quenching fruit for the youngsters to eat on their way round.

The borough-wide event was held as a joint initiative between Swindon Borough Council and the Primary Care Trust to tackle the high incidence of heart disease.