STUDENTS at Wiltshire College will be able to keep fit with the help of National Lottery Funding after Sport England announced a £136,000 grant to keep teenagers active.

The funding, which is part of a new strategy to support students carrying out regular activity, comes after Sport England discovered that nearly one fifth of all college students do less than England’s chief medical officer’s recommendation of 30 minutes of physical activity a week. It was also revealed that two-thirds of pupils do no exercise at all.

“We are thrilled to have been given this funding,” said Linda Westmore, the head of student services at Wiltshire College.

“Our two-year Wiltshire College Active programme aims to promote activity to students through the provision of engaging enjoyable activities across the main college campuses.

“FIT4WORK programmes which enhance employability skills such as teamwork and communication, have also been devised.

“Physical activity also impacts positively on mental health, well-being and personal development, all of which can enhance students’ lives.”

As part of the Towards An Active Nation strategy, Sport England is investing £5m into projects in colleges around the country in a bid to counter growing obesity rates and drive personal skills.

Mike Diaper, the executive director of Community Sport, said: “We are delighted to offer Wiltshire College National Lottery funding to help get students active.

“College is a crucial time in a young person’s development. It is often the first time that activity is not a compulsory part of their study programme and therefore all too many young people become inactive.

“This funding will allow colleges to be innovative in addressing the needs and desires of their students to help embed activity in their lifestyle in college and for years to come.”