ENFIELD'S public health boss has urged residents to sign up for an exercise phenomenon which is sweeping the UK.

Almost 100,000 people across the country have joined parkrun, a scheme to help people stay fit and get into jogging.

Dr Shahed Ahmad, Enfield's director of public health, is joining a parkrun in Pymmes Park, off Silver Street, on Saturday morning and urged others to follow his lead.

He said: “I am really looking forward to taking part in my first parkrun.

“They are great as people of all levels of fitness and abilities can join in, and running is great for reducing weight, reducing blood pressure and generally keeping fit.”

To join in, visit www.parkrun.com and register, and you are issued with a barcode which is scanned at the beginning and end of each run you take part in.

This shows your time and position for the 5km run, and you can keep a weekly log of your progress.

Parkruns are free to enter and organised by volunteers, in more than 5,000 parks and open spaces across the UK. Another in Enfield is held in Grovelands Park, off The Bourne, Southgate.