Sports minister Richard Caborn and the former Olympic athlete, Roger Black, are backing a free summer fitness challenge which aims to increase physical activity among children.

The scheme launches at the Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex this month (July) following a successful pilot last year, which resulted in more than 300 registrations.

Feedback from schools and parents was overwhelmingly positive with 94 per cent of those taking part saying they would continue to maintain increased levels of exercise after finishing the challenge and all wanted to take part in the challenge again.

A total of 30 schools were involved in the pilot and this year more than 500 registrations are expected.

Each participating child receives a fitness diary in which they record all their activities and, for every 10 they complete, Spectrum gives them a reward. The aim is to complete 30 physical activities over the summer and collect a medal, certificate and free activity ticket for Spectrum.