THIS year's Purbeck Pledge initiative has been launched in a bid to get more people active and embracing nature across the district during September.

Last year the Purbeck Pledge concentrated on helping residents reduce their alcohol consumption - with them 'pledging' to avoid the drink throughout October.

This time around the focus will be on getting residents to pledge to get out more and get more active.

Purbeck District Council public health manager Laura Brewer said: "Our 2015 campaign was a huge success, with over five hundred people pledging to reduce or cut out alcohol for the month of October, so we are delighted to be running another campaign this year.

"The Purbeck Pledge 2016 will champion a huge range of activities in the area, making the best use of the outstanding natural environment and reaping the benefits which come from getting out and getting active."

The organisations involved in the pledge scheme include Purbeck District Council, Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, LiveWellDorset, Dorset Community Action, Durlston Country Park and Natural Choices.

Dr William Bird, one of the UK's leading experts on physical activity, spoke at the project's recent launch in Furzebrook.

He said: "We were designed to live amongst nature, but the modern world's disconnection from nature is so damaging to human health.

"Everyone knows being active is good for them, so it is great that local organisations are coming together to get people out and about."

Dr Bird added that studies show nature lifts up the people who need it most.

Meanwhile, Dr Alastair Ward, from Wareham surgery, said: "The aim of the Purbeck Pledge is to promote wellbeing by connecting people to their local environment, so I am delighted that Dr Bird has given the campaign such a ringing endorsement.

"Being active is all about having fun with friends and family and is a great way to meet new people."

There will be a range of activities on offer throughout September.

Over the coming months details of the sessions will appear on dorsetforyou.com/purbeck-pledge