WYRE Forest Big Active Weekend is set to get residents' pulses racing this month.

Organised by Wyre Forest District Council, Worcestershire County Council and local groups, there are a number of different activities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in on Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21.

The Big Active Weekend will give residents an opportunity to try a new sport, take action to be healthier or get outdoors in the fresh air.

Whether residents prefer walking, cycling, climbing, yoga or dodgeball, this is also a great opportunity to try something new. Many of the activities will be set outdoors and others are located in leisure facilities and community venues.

And, if photography is your passion, there is also the Big Active Weekend photo competition - where you can send in digital shots of being out and about throughout the weekend, for the chance to win a £50 Go Outdoors voucher.

Send your images to media.office@wyreforestdc.gov.uk by 5pm on Tuesday, May 24. Entries will be judged by Kidderminster Camera Club and the winner will be notified by Monday, May 29.

There are big physical health and mental wellbeing benefits of taking part in the Big Active Weekend - the chief medical officer currently recommends that adults undertake two and a half hours of moderate activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more.

People who have a physically active lifestyle have a 20 to 35 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and stroke compared to those who have a sedentary lifestyle.

Regular physical activity is also associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and colon and breast cancer and improved mental health.

To see a full programme and find out more about the Big Active Weekend, visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/wyreforestbigactive.