Council urged to up the pace on Daily Mile

AN Angus councillor is challenging the local authority to “up the pace” in Daily Mile participation.

Academics have confirmed the beneficial effects of the initiative, but fewer than half of primary schools in the county take part every day, leaving the local authority out of step with the project.

The Daily Mile scheme encourages pupils to walk or run a mile a day to ensure they are getting regular exercise.

Research by Stirling and Edinburgh Universities has supported anecdotal evidence that children who do the Daily Mile are significantly healthier than those who do not. Researchers compared 391 children aged between four and 12 at two primary schools, one where pupils were doing the Daily Mile, and another where they were not, and found it led to improved fitness and body composition among those taking part.

Councillor Derek Wann said: “These results are both extremely interesting and encouraging, especially as the Daily Mile is done in addition to PE classes and other sporting activities, and does not replace them.

“Here in Angus, the majority of our primary schools are taking part, with most schools typically taking part three days a week.

“Given the positive and beneficial results of this study, I will be speaking to senior council officers to explore ways in which we can expand the scheme.

“Childhood obesity is a significant concern and I think this programme could ultimately make a significant contribution to dealing with the issue, especially as it takes just 15 minutes out of the day.”

A spokesman for Angus Council said: “The approaches to improving health and wellbeing that are taking place across all our schools are many and varied.”