PEOPLE across Essex are being asked to take part in a survey exploring how to get people more active.

Around 27 per cent of residents across the county are inactive and carry out less than 30 minutes of physical exercise each week.

An initiative, funded by Sport England, wants to tackle the inequalities which prevent people having an active lifestyle.

Researchers from Essex University are now looking for people to take part in the survey.

The primary focus will be Basildon, Colchester and Tendring and families with dependent children, the over 45s and people with mental health issues. It is hoped 1,500 will take part.

Dr Paul Freeman, from the University’s School of Sport, said: “Our evaluation will provide a snapshot of the health of Essex – in terms of how physically active people are and their wellbeing – but also their perceptions of their local area.”

Co-researcher Dr Valerie Gladwell added: “We want to help build healthier and stronger communities and hope our findings will empower communities to engage more people in physical activity and improve the health of the community as a whole.”

They are hoping at least 1,500 people will take part in the online survey, which will be open until 26 November. As well as the survey being available online there will be opportunities to fill in the survey face-to-face at events in the targeted communities.

Jason Fergus, Director of Active Essex and Head of the Essex Local Delivery Pilot, said: “We hope this research will provide further insight into the behaviours and specific needs of local residents so that we can influence change and continue to increase participation in sport and physical activity across our county.”

To take part in the survey, which begins on November 26, visit https://bit.ly/2p6BzaH.