MIDDLEWICH residents are being urged to stay active this winter.

The dark nights and cold weather can leave us feeling low, but regular exercise is great for your physical health and fitness and has also been proven to help your mental wellbeing.

Cheshire East Council is reminding residents that even moderate exercise can bring health benefits if they can stay active.

Cllr Liz Wardlaw, CEC cabinet member for health, said: “As the colder weather sets in, it can be tempting to stay wrapped up indoors.

"But staying physically active during winter will help you to stay warm and has numerous health benefits.

"Regular, moderate exercise helps to reduce tiredness, anxiety and depression, improves your mood and quality of life, strengthens your muscles, joints and bones and reduces the risk of health problems.

"Another important benefit is that it can help you to make new friends and prevent you from becoming lonely, as there are many groups and classes available across Cheshire East that you can join. Please remember to speak to your GP before starting any exercise plan."

For more information on staying active, visit oneyoucheshireeast.org or call 0808 1643 202.