A NEW strategy was launched this week which aims to increase the number of Craven residents who take part in regular sport and active recreation by five per cent by 2010.

The goal is part of the "Craven on the Move" five-year strategy put together by Craven District Council in conjunction with local stakeholders.

It links in with a regional initiative to increase by one per cent the number of people participating in 30 minutes of sport and active recreation at least three times per week - meaning Craven's target is 435 new people per year.

The main target groups are young people, particularly those who have dropped out of sports participation after leaving school, and much older people.

The strategy states that more use should be made of the natural environment of the Dales, provision of sports facilities should be more family-orientated and resources need to be pooled to increase efficiency.

Measures due to implemented over the next five years include building a Craven Adventure Centre and improving links between schools and clubs. A full-time community coach is also due to be appointed to teach primary school children basic sports skills.

The strategy was compiled with support from a specialist research centre at Sheffield Hallam University.

Craven district councillor Mick Hill said: "The council has already invested substantially in the Craven Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre and is soon to build a new extension to improve it even further. But we haven't put all our eggs in one basket.

"The council has also been grant aiding numerous other sporting facilities and events across the district."

Helen Mukherjee of Upper Wharfedale School, Threshfield, one of the key partners in helping to develop the strategy said: "Our aim is to provide high quality PE so that all young people will be inspired by sport and continue taking part outside of lessons, after school, at weekends and long after they have left school.

Carl Lis, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: "Recent changes to land access rights now allow even more opportunities to enjoy walking activities in the park. We hope the strategy promotes this even further.£"