Eight volunteers from Copeland council are set to encourage staff to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

The health advocates come from across the workforce and will undertake various tasks to encourage colleagues to think healthy.

Their first project will be a staff survey to see which health issues they want to know more about.

The Health Advocates will also irect staff to sources of information and support, find out what events and activities they would like, and help deliver them, and raise awareness of health campaigns run by outside agencies.

Coun Gwyneth Everett, Copeland's portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: "As a council it's really important that we help our staff feel as healthy, both mentally and physically, as they can.

"Our staff work hard and do a great job. If we can all help each other feel as good as possible, it's a win for everyone.

"I'd like to thank colleagues who have come forward and volunteered, and I look forward to some of the initiatives they'll be bringing to the workplace."