County council staff tackle Bognor walk to raise awareness

Wearing halloween fancy dress, the group left the centre in London Road on Tuesday last week at around midday and arrived at the Kings Beach Hotel in Pagham about two-and-a-half hours later.

The event was part of West Sussex County Council's Move for Health initiative '“ a seven-week baton relay event, where staff from the county council across West Sussex are using body power only to complete a 250-mile journey.

The group from the centre walked, ran and cycled, but other suggestions for transport in other areas of the county included space hopping, horse riding, dog walking and skating.

Teri Humphrey, the assistant manager at the centre, was one of nine members of staff taking part. She said: "We decided on the fancy dress idea as a group to make it a bit more interesting.

"Generally, it was very well received, as along the way we got people saying hello and cars tooting their horns.

"There is going to be a prize for the best fancy dress and the most amusing moment, and we're hoping we might get one of those.

"At one point Mother Christmas fell off her bike into the bush, which was quite amusing, but unfortunately we couldn't get the camera on quick enough."

Move for Health began at K2 leisure centre in Crawley and will arrive in Chichester tomorrow.

County council chairman Mark Dunn will receive the baton on the steps of County Hall.

The route has been designed to make it easy for staff to take part in their lunch hour, although a half day has been allowed.

The route to Chichester goes via East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Worthing, Billingshurst, Arundel, Littlehampton, Selsey and Bosham.

It incorporates the safe use of West Sussex footpaths, bridleways, Rights of Way, cycle lanes and pedestrian walkways.

Teri added: "I think it is important to be green and encourage people to be aware.

"We already do a lot of green things, but we were glad to be a part of this."

County council leader Henry Smith, said: "We wanted to encourage staff to become more active, and this fun activity is exactly what was needed.

"The ethos of the project has been very much for employees to come along and have a go. There are all sorts of novel and colourful ways the baton is being carried."

A virtual relay has also been organised, to record the physical activity of employees who want to take part but cannot easily access the route. Taster sessions at leisure centres and sports clubs are being converted into equivalent miles.

As part of the project, 1 per participant is being donated to the Ahead of the Game charity, to help improve access to sport for people with disabilities.

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