A COUNCIL has been crowned the most active workplace of the year.

Maldon District Council have picked up the prestigious health honour from Active Essex.

The Active Workplace of the Year Award recognises an organisation that has introduced innovative ideas to change the workplace culture by encouraging physical activity during the working day to improve the health and wellbeing of staff.

The ceremony was held at Chelmsford City Racecourse on Tuesday.

Richard Holmes, Director of Customers and Community, said “Maldon District Council is very proud to have won the Active Workplace of the Year award from Active Essex.

“We are keen to support healthy activity within our staff team and we run a number of initiatives to promote wellbeing and exercise. These include lunch time yoga, cycle to work schemes and running clubs.

“Along with our partners including Moat, CAB and Places for People, we also support and take part in National Fitness Day, Cycle to Work Day, Couch to 5k Club and arrange health & wellbeing checks.”

Bob Boyce MBE, Chairman of Community Services, said “It’s great that the council’s staff are being recognised for their efforts to support an active workplace. Supporting people to be active and live healthy lifestyles is a key objective for the council, and physical activity during the working day is so important and helps maintain both physical and mental health.”

The council is keen to support other work places to be active in the Maldon District.

David Burnham, Leisure Development Officer, said: “If you would like advice and support to make your work place or business more active we would love to hear from you.

“You could join in with us, take part in some of our initiatives or we could even organise inter-office competitions.”

Email david.burnham@maldon.gov.uk or call 01621 876268.