BUSINESSES across York and North Yorkshire are being urged to go head-to-head in a nationwide workplace fitness initiative.

The “North Yorkshire Sport Workplace Challenge” programme was launched by the area’s MPs in Westminster.

The programme invites employees to battle it out until the end of 2014 to earn points for themselves and their company by taking part in sport and physical activity.

Free to join, the programme has been rolled out to encourage the York and North Yorkshire business community to lead more active lifestyles.

Jane Ratcliffe from North Yorkshire Sport said: “We are delighted to be rolling out the Workplace Challenge across the county.

“We would love to see the York and North Yorkshire business community take on the challenge and in turn encourage their staff to lead more active lifestyles.

“Sport has always had the power to bring people together in a fun, friendly and competitive environment. And I believe if businesses embrace the Workplace Challenge in North Yorkshire they will reap the many health and wellbeing benefits associated with their staff being active."