The number of Brits regularly taking part in sport is on the up, according to the Social Trends 2008 survey.

Nearly seven in ten (69 per cent) adults aged 16 or over in England participated in at least one type of active sport during the 12 month period prior to the study.

One quarter of adults (25 per cent) in England are currently members of a sports club, while 21 per cent regularly take part in sport and active recreation. Regular participation is defined as participating in at least 30 minutes of at least moderate intensity on at least three occasions a week.

The highest rate of regular participation in sport varies across the UK, with Richmond-upon-Thames in London (30 per cent of all adults) and Macclesfield in Lancashire (29 per cent of all adults) having the most active populations.

Boston in Lincolnshire (14 per cent) had the lowest participation percentage of all UK towns.

The report also reveals that Britons made more overseas trips during 2006 than ever before.

UK residents made 45.3m holiday trips abroad during the year – a 153 per cent increase on 1986.

Eating out remains one of the most popular leisure pursuits and each household in the UK spent an average of £31.90 per week on restaurants and pubs.

Cultural activities, including attending the theatre or music concerts and visiting museums and galleries, were also popular with 36 per cent and 26 per cent of adults respectively.

Overall, around 67 per cent of the population attended an arts event during 2006.

The annual Social Trends Survey is produced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). For the full report visit www.statistics.gov.uk