THE most comprehensive survey ever of sport in Yorkshire has revealed only 20 per cent of people questioned were doing the recommended level of moderate exercise.

More than half of respondents had not taken part in any moderate exercise in the four weeks prior to completing the survey.

The Sport England poll found that 48 per cent of people living in Yorkshire do sport, just below the national average.

The report revealed that sports participation was much lower in more deprived areas. Taking this into account, York came out as one of the best performing cities in the country in terms of regular exercise.

Nearly a quarter of adults in Yorkshire belong to a health or sports club, and 13 per cent have taken part in organised competitive sport during 2006.

Alistair Copeland, the interim director of Sport England Yorkshire, said: "This survey provides an unprecedented picture of activity and inactivity in England. Knowing the scale of the challenge is the first step to putting it right. Here in Yorkshire, we're tasked with getting hundreds of thousands more people active by 2012.

"It's a huge challenge and we're ready for it."

The survey also looked at the most popular sports across England. Walking came out as the most popular recreation activity, followed by swimming and going to the gym. Cycling, football, running and jogging, golf, badminton, tennis and aerobics made up the rest of the top ten. The 16 to 24 age group was revealed as the most active, with people dropping out of exercise as they got older.

The survey also asked people about their volunteer work.

The people of Craven were the most generous with their time, with more than seven per cent volunteering for an hour or more each week to help run a sports club or activity.