Open country

THE apparent decline in children's fitness and lack of physical activity in school is an often repeated health warning that has shown little sign of being resolved, so the efforts of an MP to tackle the problem head-on must be congratulated.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Sep 2010, 22:38 BST

Updated 2nd Sep 2010, 22:38 BST

Barry Sheerman is to launch a campaign with children's charities to get young people into the countryside as part of their schooling.

The Huddersfield MP, concerned by the declining access to the great

outdoors for children from poorer backgrounds, is determined to encourage schools to develop an active programme for outside learning.

Man-made urban play areas are a fantastic resource, but there can be little substitute for the fun to be had in the rock pools at Scarborough or the freedom of the Yorkshire Dales, Dalby Forest and the North York Moors.

So far 24 MPs have backed Mr Sheerman's cause in Parliament. Let's hope it wins widespread support so those from all backgrounds can enjoy this free – but too often ignored – wonderful resource on our doorstep.