DATA results show that 48 per cent of children in Cumbria are classed as 'active'.

The figures that have been released by Sport England, as part of their Active Lives survey, show that 48.6 per cent of school aged children in the county are taking part in sport and physical activity for more than 60 minutes a day.

Active Cumbria supported schools in the county to take part in the survey.

The latest figures for Cumbria were released on December 8 and were above the national average of 47.2 per cent.

The data also showed that 30.8 per cent or 17,800 children in Cumbria are less active, meaning they do fewer than 30 minutes of physical activity a day.

Cumbria's districts have also been broken down in the statistics, with Copeland coming top of the list with 58 per cent of children active for more than 60 minutes a day, compared to Allerdale where 44.9 per cent were active.

In other parts of the county, 48.6 per cent were active in Carlisle, with 29.7 per cent labelled as 'less active'.

In South Cumbria, 48.9 per cent of children were active in Barrow and 48.4 per cent in South Lakeland.

Deborah Earl, cabinet member for public health and community services at Cumbria County Council explained the importance of the Active Lives survey.

She said: "It is reassuring to see that activity levels in Cumbria are better than the national average in a number of areas.

"On the face of it, it could be perceived as a positive story, that 28,100 children in Cumbria are meeting national recommended guidelines and leading active lives, but collectively we must recognise the challenge ahead of us to help those that are not meeting the recommended guidelines"

Richard Johnston, Active Cumbria senior manager also said: "This latest data clearly demonstrates the importance of the work of Active Cumbria in supporting schools to embed physical activity into their ethos so that more children and young people are active.

"Our 5-year plan sets out our commitment to improving lives through physical activity."