PEOPLE are being urged to get fit while helping to banish childhood obesity and improve the health of schoolchildren.

The British Heart Foundation has launched a recruitment drive for volunteers to work in Worcestershire's schools, promoting fund-raising initiatives, such as skipping challenges, and giving talks to youngsters about how to look after their hearts.

"It's official - volunteering is good for your heart," said county BHF spokeswoman Donna Stokes.

"In a recent survey, 47 per cent of the people questioned said volunteering had improved their physical health and fitness, 20 per cent said it had helped them lose weight and 16 per cent of smokers said it had helped them smoke less.

"With these health benefits in mind, we have launched a recruitment drive for volunteer schools co-ordinators in Worcestershire so that you can boost your heart health and help local children to do the same."

She said more than a fifth of boys and a quarter of girls aged two to 15 were overweight or obese, and only around half of 14-year-olds did the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

"Volunteer schools co-ordinators will make a key contribution to the BHF's campaign to address the growing problems of obesity and inactivity among our children, as well as raising vital funds for the charity's work," added Ms Stokes.

The volunteers would be able to push the charity's Jump Rope for Heart scheme, a popular sponsored skipping challenge, she said.

"This raises vital funds for heart research, education and patient care, and encourages healthy habits by showing children that keeping fit can be fun," she added.

Schools from Worcestershire that have participated in the scheme to date include Ronkswood Infants School, in Worcester, St James CofE Primary School, in Malvern, and Wychbold First and Nursery School, near Droitwich.

No previous experience is required to become a schools co-ordinator, as training and support will be provided.

Ideal candidates will enjoy motivating others, be organised and dependable and like public speaking.

For more information call Ms Stokes on 0121 3532087, e-mail stokesd@bhf.org.uk, or visit www.bhf.org.uk/vol-pr