WOMEN are being asked to come forward and lead sport or activity sessions for other women in the city.

Oxford City Council, which is running the Active Women project, said free training will be provided for volunteers to become a Breeze Cycling Leader, a Running Fitness Leader, a Walk Leader, or a Level 1 Netball Coach.

Linda Smith, board member for leisure, parks and sport, said: "The opportunities for women to be involved in sport in Oxford are vast.

The Active Women project helps to provide women-only sport and physical activity sessions that are affordable, accessible and, above all, fun."

There is a participation gap in the UK of 1.7 million between the number of males aged 14 plus and the number of females aged 14 plus that take part in sports at least once a week.

Active Women is aiming to encourage and empower women to take up sports.

The project is led by Oxfordshire Sport and Physical Activity (OxSPA) and delivered by Oxford City Council.

Any woman over 18 who is an Oxford resident and is interested in being more involved in sport and developing new skills should register their interest by emailing Emma Collins at ecollins@oxford.gov.uk by December 31.

For more information about Active Women sessions visit oxspa.co.uk/active-women/oxfordcity