Suffolk has been given a £300,000 grant by Sport England in a bid to improve fitness levels across the county.

Among the projects that should benefit from the grant are proposals for four more park runs – bringing one to each district, improved facilities for cyclists, and more use for school sports facilities.

The Community Sport Activation Fund grant will specifically support Suffolk’s long-term ambitions to become the most active county in England.

The money will be spent in nine key areas including:

Increasing sporting opportunities in rural communities.

Establishing four more park runs alongside those in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, and Brandon.

Growing and sustaining cycling participation.

Broadening access to sports facilities on school sites.

Increasing sporting opportunities for people with disabilities.

Alan Murray, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for health and adult care, said: “In Suffolk’s ambition to become the most active county in England we’re regularly looking at new and innovative ways of encouraging a wide range of people to be active, whatever their age or background.

“This funding will allow us to improve on, and extend current successful initiatives, as well as increase sporting opportunities for a range of different people. Our focus is especially on assisting those who are currently inactive.”