The campaign to improve children’s fitness needs to be broad-ranging rather than focussing on a single programme, according to Health Minister David Ashford.

In Tynwald last week Daphne Caine (Garff) asked him if he supported the extension of the Daily Mile and Fit for Life programme to all primary schools.

He said his department was supportive of the programme as part of an overall approach.

’The benefits of physical activity across all aspects of physical and mental health and well-being are well established,’ he said.

’We also know that activity can be easily included in the daily routine and is the best way of ensuring that it becomes a habit that people will continue throughout life.

’Having said that, though, it is important to recognise that each child is unique and the Daily Mile and Fit for Life programme may not be suited to all children.’

That made it important that there was a ’wider programme’ of physical activity, instead of ’simply focusing on one particular programme’.

That could mean a range of sports and activities to cater for all tastes and fitness levels.

He added: ’It is important that we encourage and develop a strategy that encompasses and encourages all children, regardless of their current level of physical activity, and the Department of Health and Social Care will continue to work closely with the Department of Education in that regard.’

The Daily Mile scheme aims to get children to run, walk or jog for 15 minutes every day at school, while Fit for Life promotes healthier eating.