Search is on for new 'Get Active' family

Caerphilly county borough council is on the lookout for the next 'Get Active' family to head a campaign to encourage more people to lead a healthier lifestyle.

The new family will take over the reigns from the current 'Get Active' family, the Carrington's, whose year-long reign ends this month.

The 'Get Active' campaign encourages people of all ages to take up the challenge and become more active, either in a cultural, physical or educational way. Mark and Nicola Carrington entered the competition last summer to become the 'Get Active' family and were selected as the winners, after giving many good reasons why they wanted to change their lifestyle.

Throughout their year the Carrington family have enjoyed many prizes, and as a result experienced many adventures including the grand prize of a ferry crossing to Ireland, sponsored by Stena Line. This prize took them on a fantastic holiday to Kinsale, County Cork to stay at a working dairy farm. Most mornings at Copper Beech Farm the family helped bring in the cows from the meadow and helped milk them. The children drove tractors and helped the farmer spray the meadows. They also visited FOTA Wildlife Park, Kinsale Harbour and Blarney Castle, where they all kissed the blarney stone, with the exception of Cairon who was too small to reach.

Mark said, "We've had a wonderful year as the 'Get Active' family and enjoyed such a wonderful holiday. The farming family, the Sheehan's were fantastic, we felt as if we were part of their family. They gave us fresh milk each morning and home made scones on our arrival. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The boys loved this holiday, as they were free to walk around the farm and enjoy the outdoors. We will definitely be going back to Copper Beech farm, 10 out of 10 for a fantastic holiday!"

Last month the Carrington's enjoyed their final prize, kayaking and canoeing at Ynys Hywel Outdoor Education Centre. During their adventure day the boys jumped into the water dressed in wetsuits and life vests and had a packed lunch by the side of the boathouse, where they used a Kelly-kettle to make drinks before returning to Ynys Hywel to try the climbing wall.

If you would like the chance to be the next 'Get Active' family contact 01443 863288 or visit the Get Active website.