A SCHEME to promote healthy lifestyles in Burnley has secured a £20,000 funding boost.

The Get In2 Active Parks project is jointly run by the council and Burnley Leisure and aims to deliver a wide range of physical activities such as kayaking, rounders, cycling and orienteering.

The central government funds will go towards running the activities which are based in and around areas including Thompson Park where the initiative first started.

The project has now been extended to all seven parks in Burnley including Towneley Park and Memorial Park.

Included in the programme of events is a lunchtime cycle in Towneley Park on Mondays from noon and a female-only bootcamp every Monday from 7pm in Memorial Park.

Another session is staged in Towneley Park from 6.30pm on Thursdays.

Outdoor adventure sessions are held every Thursday from 1.30am to 4pm at Thompson Park.

The park is also where boats and kayaks are for hire every afternoon during the summer holidays.

Paul Foster, leisure development manager at Burnley Leisure, said: “Get in 2 Active Parks is a great programme aiming to make it easy to get into outdoor activities and sports by bringing together different events, healthy walks, boating, fun-packed family treasure hunts, and various bootcamps.

“With the sunny weather we had so far this summer, sessions were well attended and hopefully they have inspired people to exercise more and stay healthy.”

Burnley Councillor Tony Harrison, executive member for Community Services, said: “It’s good news for Burnley, and I hope that people will make full use of the facilities.

“I’d like to congratulate the council staff, who do very well at bringing in grants to improve facilities in Burnley.”

For more information about the scheme or to get involved visit: www.facebook.com/burnley.get.in.2