Public Health Minister Yvette Cooper has announced a new £2.5 million programme of community pilot schemes.

Speaking at the NHS 'Taking Action' physical activity conference the minister unveiled nine pilot schemes across England, one of which will be free swimming, will give thousands of children and adults in deprived areas increased opportunities to get active and use local leisure facilities.

Forum Response: Sport England

David Moffett, chief executive of Sport England, told ePolitix.com: "Most ailments attack people in their middle and old age, but this is mainly because nature is reclaiming a debt which youth incurred.

"In other words, it is when we are young that we start borrowing on nature's bank and nature, being just and jealous demands repayment in full. We need to take care of our bodies from an early age."