ParkPlay, a new Sport England-backed charity, is looking for leaders to come forward and lead sessions.

The role of PlayLeader comes with an annual salary of £5,000 which covers leading Saturday morning sessions and recruiting people from the community to take part.

Laura Leigh, a paediatric nurse living on Walney Island, said: “I first heard about ParkPlay through Active Cumbria, hosted by the Cumbria County Council’s Public Health Team, and started working as a PlayLeader in Barrow Park.

“My role is now expanding to recruit new leaders in more parks across the region, and it’s our dream for ParkPlay to be within easy walking distance for all families, friends and individuals living in Cumbria who want to take part.

“Having led a number of exercise classes as an instructor for a number of years, as well as overseeing a weekly running session for children, I am passionate about getting people active and moving.

“I love the fact that ParkPlay is free and fun for people of all ages, especially when some are unable to access paid for activities and clubs.

“The first session we did was very emotional after what people have gone through over the past 18 months, so getting involved is a great opportunity for children and local people to meet one another and really feel part of the community.

“Anyone of any age, fitness level or ability is absolutely welcome to join, and I look forward to continuing to lead the Barrow Park sessions as well as hopefully getting into other parks.”