A NEW campaign Ryedale is aiming to promote healthy eating and living.

The new project, which is provisionally known as Healthier Helmsley, is a pilot initiative run by North Yorkshire County Council, in partnership with a large number of local businesses, community groups and schools.

Its aim is to increase access to healthy foods, in response to an increase in obesity levels in Ryedale.

David Miller, one of the organisers, said: “It’s a community award which will recognise the provision of healthier foods by local food establishments whilst increasing nutritional awareness and physical activity across the wider community.

“The idea is to change attitudes towards healthier food choices. To do this we are looking to engage with as many local partners and groups as possible.

“Local businesses will be recognised for adapting their menus, we will look to encourage greater physical activity through local events, and we will improve nutritional awareness by engaging with kids in a variety of fun and engaging ways.

“For the last month I’ve been meeting with local businesses, everyone’s really keen.”

Mr Miller has also been approaching schools, leisure facilities, the National Park Authority, scouts, the Helmsley in Business group and the district council. Ryedale School head teacher Mark McCandless is championing the campaign.

The plan is to begin the initiative in early next month. It will be live over the summer months.

According to a report by the Health and Wellbeing board published last year, for the years 2012-2014, the “prevalence of overweight and obese (BMI 25 or above) adults in North Yorkshire is 66.71 per cent, which equates to 339,838 adults aged 16 and over. This is higher than the England prevalence of 64.59 per cent.”

It found that the figure for the Ryedale district, 68.75 per cent, is significantly higher than England and North Yorkshire.