EVER fancied climbing Everest in your lunch hour?

What about walking round the UK during your coffee beak?

Kirklees Council employees are to be set challenges with a twist like these to help promote a healthier way of working.

The Getting Active At Work scheme is part of Government plans announced in November. It was launched at Huddersfield Town Hall yesterday with a pedometer challenge.

Teams of experts offered advice on how to increase the number of steps taken during the working day. Also, staff from Healthy Employees through Active Leisure (Heal) were on hand for tips.

Heal officer Deborah France-Sargeant said they would be creating active challenges through next month.

She added: "These will be things like walking the equivalent of round the coastline of the UK. Or if you have stairs in your building it can be the equivalent of climbing Everest."

Heal scheme manager Wendy Beddows said: "It's all about improving health, improving morale and making people fitter."

Council leader Clr Kath Pinnock said she would be taking part.

She added: "Things have changed and more and more of us have computer or office-based jobs these days.

"The old ways of exercising by walking around isn't so easy to do any more.

"It's about getting people out and walking in breaks and lunchtimes and getting into the town.

"Who knows, if there are more people in town it could be good for trade."