Staff at the Change4Life information centre are dishing out free pedometers this week to help people keep track of their steps during their last-minute Christmas shopping – and get moving after Christmas dinner.

Mandy Kennedy, team manager, said "After your evening meal, it can be hard to resist the temptation to sit down and crash out, but it's important to keep yourself and your kids active after a big dinner.

"This can help to burn off calories and prevent you from storing fat in your body."

The centre, which was funded as part of the Healthy Halifax project, is also offering free weigh-ins and advice.

Community health improvement adviser Helen Wright said: "We know it is probably the last thing on your mind this week.

"But if you are wanting to know your pre-Christmas weight, pick up some tips on keeping yourself moving over the Christmas period, or just want to find out what is going on in the New Year to help you with your resolutions, then pop into the shop."

The centre closes on Christmas Eve, and reopens on January 5.