YOUNGSTERS are throwing themselves into keeping fit with the help of Kaiser Chief Ricky Wilson.

Pupils at St Oswalds Junior School in Guiseley are using an exercise video created by the pop star and TV personality, who was a student at St Mary's in Menston.

The video, with Disney-inspired themes, is described as England’s largest ever interactive PE lesson, and was produced in collaboration with government health initiative Change4Life.

The 10 Minute Shake Up campaign aims to help children reach the minimum 60 minutes of physical activity they need every day through ten-minute bursts.

And children at St Oswald's showed just how much fun exercise could be when they took part in a video-led session.

Keighley-born Mr Wilson said: "Since taking up a much more active lifestyle, the benefits I’ve gained have been endless – it has helped with everything from singing to performing, and even just getting out of bed or going to the shops.

"I’m supporting this summer’s Change4Life campaign, and have helped create my own 10 Minute Shake Up game to help demonstrate the joys of being active and to ask parents to encourage their children to enjoy the many health and social advantages that come with doing the right amount of physical activity. I’m excited to see how it goes and just hope I can keep up with the kids!"

The 10 Minute Shake Up film with Ricky is available at the vimeo.com/Change4Life website.

Alison Patey, health and wellbeing lead at Public Health England’s Yorkshire and Humber centre, said: "Ricky Wilson has got close connections to the Guiseley area, so it is great to see St Oswald's supporting the 10 Minute Shake Up campaign and enjoying the video.”

The Year Four children were introduced to the video by their teacher, Rebecca Gill, and have been exercising to it every day since last week.

She said: "We have been trying to do it every day because it is about getting them motivated to do it in the summer. They can get everyone involved – parents, grandparents and siblings. They feel really enthusiastic about it."

Among those taking part was Leeds City councillor, Jane Dowson.

She said: "Exercise is so important for kids, and it has got to be fun. I don't know about the kids, but I am exhausted. It is great and it really gets them moving."

The video was given the thumbs up by the children themselves.

Erica Rattray said: "Ricky is in one of my favourite bands. I really enjoyed it."

Isla Winter added: "I thought it was really fun and I am going to tell people about it."

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