Strong growth in cycling and running participation have helped drive an overall increase in the number of people taking part in sport, according to Sport England's Active People Survey (APS).

The results of the survey confirmed that the "slow but steady" increase in participation numbers over the past five years has continued. More than 6.9 million people now regularly take part in sport, which moves the government 123,000 people closer to its target of one million more participating by 2012-13.

According to the research, weekly participation in athletics - including running - has grown by more than 263,000 in the past two years. Cycling numbers are up by nearly 100,000. Netball has reported more than 26,000 additional participants, although some major sports - such as football and swimming - have seen a decline.

The two sports, along with cricket and rugby, have now been challenged to tackle a drop in participation outside club structures, where attention has been traditionally focussed. Sport England chief executive Jennie Price said: "It would be fair to describe the results as a mixed bag.

"It's good to see a wide range of sports - from individual pursuits like running to small team sports like lacrosse - demonstrating that, with the right approach, increasing grassroots participation is a realistic ambition. "What is concerning, however, is that a number of major sports have yet to deliver, despite significant levels of investment."

Hugh Robertson, minister for sport and the Olympics, added: "During the comprehensive spending review we fought hard to get a good settlement for sport, keeping the Whole Sport plans in place. "Now it is vital to see a return from the investment sports get from the public purse."

For more details, see the Sport England website