Borough the Fittest in Britain

7.51.20pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 12th Dec 2006

A big survey by Sport England has shown that people in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames take more exercise than anywhere else in Britain.

The measure is the percentage of people over 16 who partake in "moderate intensity sport and active recreation" for 3 days a week for at least 30 minute continuously. In Britain, as a whole, the figure is 21% (men 23% and women 18%) and the figure varies by age (33% in 16 to 24s to 6% for over 75s) and class (the highest socioeconomic groups average 25%; the lowest 16%). In Richmond the figure was just over 30% with much higher figures for young people.

The most popular ten activities (in descending order) are walking, swimming, gym, cycling, football, running, golf, badminton, tennis and aerobics. 25% of adults are club members.

Vincent Cable MP said: "The local fitness clubs springing up, the success of Hampton Pool, and the overflowing sports pitches on a Sunday morning attest to the popularity of active recreation. I keep myself fit with the help of two hours a week of Latin and Ballroom dancing at Kelly's in Hampton Wick topped up by a lot of walking.

"What is clear is that sport or other active recreation keeps people fit physically and mentally and improves health. Since Twickenham is a sporting Mecca, I am glad to see that we set an example to the rest of the country!"