A HAMPSHIRE sports scheme has been praised by a top Government minister.

Helen Gran, Minister for Sport and Tourism, was impressed with Eastleigh Borough Council’s Active Eastleigh to encourage local people to get more active, which she had come to see in action at the town’s Fleming Park Leisure Centre.

During the visit she was introduced to four members of the Activity Buddy scheme that matches disabled users with volunteers who then do exercises.

She also visited a mum and baby spin class designed to allow mums to exercise without needing childcare.

Sport England awarded £185,000 to the council last year to launch the Active