ACTIVE Alton is gathering momentum with Zumba, nine-a-side football, walking and handball all set to inspire and motivate the community to get out into the fresh air and exercise.

In a report to the Alton Town Council recreation committee, sports officer Emily Sanderson said that 700 people tried out a variety of different sports at the Olympithon in Anstey Park last month in support of the official opening of the Finnimore Pavilion.

On the back of this, the town council has launched the Active Alton campaign "to champion and increase participation and engagement in local sports and activities, across all ages and abilities, in order to improve health and the quality of life for the community of Alton".

The authority aims to increase awareness of existing local sport and physical activity opportunities and also identify any gaps in provision to help develop a thriving and active community, a spokesman said.