A new initiative hopes to boost fitness levels and entice people into the great outdoors, as well as creating an online community for those needing confidence.

Go Active in Cumbria launches today and is encouraging everyone to slip on their running shoes and exercise in the "world-class" environment all around them.

The scheme will also offer free online advice across a range of platforms including Facebook and Twitter and hopes to incorporate social media into the way we exercise.

Wayne Singleton, project manager, said: "This is a really exciting project to be involved in, promoting activity across our amazing county.

"We've got millions of people visiting to take advantage of our outdoors each year, but nearly 70 per cent of our residents don't do a great deal."

People can exercise alone, or friends and family and stay up-to-date with others taking part in the programme using social media.

The scheme has had a healthy dose of support already with GSK, Active Cumbria the County Sports Partnership, Cumbria County Council and CN Media Group all working in partnership.

Other organisations are set to join and get #teamcumbria trending across the nation, encouraging people to take their first steps to a more active and healthy life.

Jonathan Lee, group development director at CN Media Group said: "We've been so encouraged to see so many more people in our communities running, cycling and swimming in recent years and have been delighted to play our part through organising events ranging from the Walney Family Fun Run to Workington's Festival of Running, right up to the Ullswater Triathlon.

"Go Active aims to break down all those barriers that people might have to getting more active - whether it's people not feeling they have time due to busy lives, or not having the self-esteem to head out of the front door and give it a go.

"It's not about starting out aiming to complete a marathon or a triathlon.

"All journeys start somewhere, and even those who take a few short steps towards a more active life are doing more than if they had stayed sitting on the sofa and deserve their own pat on the back and round of applause."

Find out more at www.goactiveincumbria.com and follow on social media:

Twitter - @GoActiveCumbria

Facebook – GoActiveinCumbria