Sports broadcaster John Inverdale has said the Bury St Edmunds Festival of Sport is a “shining example” of encouraging people to become more active at a grassroots level.

The TV and radio presenter was speaking ahead of his guest appearance at a gala dinner in the town later this month, which is being held during the nine-day inaugural festival.

Earlier this month, the Government launched a public consultation to mark the start of a new strategy for sport amid concerns that Britain is failing to live up to the legacy promise of the London 2012 Olympics – to ‘inspire a generation’.

Mr Inverdale said: “The events in Bury St Edmunds are a shining example of what can be done on a grassroots level to encourage people to become more active through sport and is to be applauded.

“The positive economic, social and health benefits of sport are well known and it is heartening to see a concerted effort on a local level by all those involved to co-ordinate and promote physical activity under the one banner.

“I am delighted to be able to support the festival which hopefully will help people, from all walks of life, to create a sporting habit for life and is a positive step on the road for keeping Britain active and maintaining the 2012 legacy.”

The Festival of Sport is being developed by a partnership including the Business Improvement District (BID) organisation, Ourburystedmunds, the Apex, Workplace Challenge Suffolk, the Theatre Royal, Abbeycroft Leisure, Sodexo Prestige, the Arc shopping centre, Suffolk Sport, St Edmundsbury borough and Suffolk County Council.

It begins on Saturday, September 12, which is when the Tour of Britain cycle race passes through the town, and will run until September 20.

Events include everything from demonstrations and displays to have-a-go activities for all ages such as a 5k run, tennis, martial arts, nordic walking, zumba, yoga and hula-hoop classes. The festival will also celebrate the town’s sporting achievements and heritage.

Mr Inverdale will be guest of honour at a gala dinner, sponsored by St Edmundsbury Financial Services, on September 14, which is being staged by the Apex along with in-house caterers, Sodexo Prestige.

Tickets are still available. Visit www.theapex.co.uk. For more information on the festival visit www.ourburystedmunds.com/festivalofsport