Staff at Eden District Council stepped up to the challenge to help the authority win a health award.

The council signed up to take part in the Better Health at Work Awards Scheme, a partnership between Cumbria County Council and Northern Trades Union Congress.

For its work over the last 12 months, Eden was handed a bronze award.

Nine council staff trained as health advocates and in response to feedback from a survey carried out among workers , awareness campaigns were launched to promote healthy living, including flexible working, back care, and support to quit smoking.

To actively promote better health across the organisation the Council supported a step challenge where staff could compete in teams during November. Chair yoga sessions also proved to be popular with staff, but the authority said the most popular activity was a monthly step challenge.

The competition was won by the financial services department, who managed over two million steps.

Bibian McRoy, Eden District Council’s assistant director of organisational development, said: “The health and wellbeing needs of our staff is a priority for the district council and taking part in this awards scheme has been a great way to raise awareness and to help address health issues within the workplace.

“The bronze award is fantastic recognition of everyone’s collective hard work and enthusiasm and is a great platform to build on.”