A FRESH drive to tackle obesity has been launched by Worcestershire County Council - with people urged to take inspiration from Olympic stars.

County Hall's Conservative leadership has agreed to endorse a package of ideas to try and get people fitter and help the public purse.

It includes encouraging GPs to send overweight people directly to sports clubs, leisure classes and fitness groups.

A new investigation to see where extra cycle lanes can be placed around Worcestershire, talks with the county's headteacher association to encourage more sport in schools, and fresh efforts to urge County Hall's workforce to get trimmer is also included.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Councillor Andy Roberts cited county Olympic stars like Jenny Nesbitt, the GB International Athlete, saying they are a "pretty special" example of what is possible.

He said: "In terms of the Olympic legacy, I don't know whether that was down to it, but the last time Worcester had anyone representing us at the Olympic games was a canoeist in the 1970s. What's being achieved now is pretty special."

The only recommendation rejected was one forcing all 57 councillors to spend 10 per cent of their yearly £1,000 divisional fund cash on health-related initiatives.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "Generally speaking, we're supportive of the work that's been done.

"But I don't think it's this council's responsibility to say every councillor must spent 10 per cent of their divisional money on it, they all know their divisions well, so I don't support that recommendation."

Councillor Simon Geraghty added: "It's a good report - clearly a lot of time and effort has gone into this."

Some other politicians urged people in the county to start taking advantage of Worcestershire's outdoor beauty.

Councillor Marcus Hart, who also sits in the cabinet, said: "Obesity is a big issue not only in Worcestershire but around the country, it's something that is talked about all the time.

"But the reality is, physical exercise doesn't have to be expensive - there are beautiful parks, forests and open spaces people can enjoy for free.

"We need to encourage parents to take responsibility for their children, and encourage people to take responsibility for themselves - a lot of this is down to what you can do for yourself, that's the message."

The council has a statutory responsibility over public health and is expecting to spend more than £132 million on it during 2016/17, around 40 per cent of its entire net budget.