Children from deprived areas across the country are to receive pedometers to encourage them to exercise.

Around 45,000 pedometers will be distributed in 250 schools as part of a campaign from the Department of Health.

Running from September 2007 to March 2008, the Schools on the Move National Pedometer Programme aims to encourage children to become more active and help reduce obesity levels.

“Pedometers have been proved to increase the amount of physical activity undertaken not only by young people, but by their families as well,” says public health minister Dawn Primarolo. “We have found they particularly appeal to children who wouldn’t normally do much physical activity.”

All schools will have access to online resources that can be used inside and outside the classroom. Children will be able to chart their progress by logging on to a dedicated website where they can set step targets and understand what impact being active is having on their health.