A report which says the public needed to "get moving" in order to protect themselves against cancer and heart disease and improve their quality of life has been welcomed in Bradford.

It revealed that the country's "couch potato" culture is costing more than £10 billion a year. In the report - At Least Five A Week - by the Government's chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson it recommends adults take at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five or more days a week.

And it says children should aim to take at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.

Bradford Council's head of sport and leisure Steve Warner said the message must get across that exercise generated good health.

He said the Council's own b-active campaign, which encourages residents to become more physically active whatever their age or ability, was already setting a good example to other cities across the UK because of the significant impact on people's health.

Launched last July, the campaign has seen more than 115,000 extra visits to the district's sports and leisure centres.

Mr Warner said: "Numbers are up and we are delighted which shows we are getting our message through. Whether you are eight or 80 taking part in regular physical exercise will bring health benefits - but we shouldn't forget it can be fun too.

"People don't need to go along to sports centres and swimming pools to keep fit. Just being more active around the home can make an improvement."

The report, said to be the first to comprehensively outline the scientific evidence for the benefits of moderate exercise, includes some shocking statistics which it is hoped will prompt the public to take action.

The estimated cost of physical inactivity in England was put at £8.2 billion a year, including the costs of treating chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

The contribution of inactivity to the country's growing obesity epidemic added an estimated further £2.5 billion price tag to the economy each year, including related costs such as absence from work.

Sir Liam said it was crucial to act now to combat increasing demand for health care in the future.

A spokesman for Bradford City Primary Care Trust which oversees health services in the city said: "We work closely with the community to promote keeping fit whether its going along to classes or joining in the Walking To Health project."