ROVERS have helped kick off plans to provide a much-needed sports boost for people in the Borough.

Chairman John Williams and midfielder David Dunn lined up alongside councillors, school children and local residents at Ewood Park for the launch of the Blackburn with Darwen Sport and Physical Activity Alliance.

The well-supported scheme, held in Blues Bar, included taster sessions and demonstrations of the many ways people can keep fit and get involved in sport throughout the area.

Several organisations were on hand to give out expert advice on the different types of activities available.

A Sport England Active People survey showed that only 16% of adults in Blackburn with Darwen currently take part in the recommended minimum 3x30 minutes of exercise a week - the lowest rates of participation in the North West.

Blackburn with Darwen's sport and physical activity partnership, with the help of Sport England funding, has created more opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in sport and physical exercise across the region.

Mike Murray, chair of the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), said: "We want people to know there are lots of ways we can keep fit and healthy.

"We are aiming to work together to strengthen our sporting provision and send out a clear message that there is something for everyone ... it's there for the taking."