Olympic heroine and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Michaela Breeze joined some 150 residents of Horrabridge to celebrate a successful year for the Healthy Horrabridge project.

Launched in September last year, the project set out to improve general levels of fitness and well-being among the residents by providing the impetus to start new healthy activities and to re-launch some existing groups where interest may have been flagging.

The initiative received funding from UnLtd and was supported by the 5X30 project.

Opening the event, Michaela pointed out that it was an opportunity to try weightlifting given to her by one of her teachers that set her on the path to the Olympic Games, and that Healthy Horrabridge had given the village residents an opportunity to improve their lives through physical activity.

The children were fascinated as Michaela recounted her Olympic experiences, and how she was inspired by the slogan on a banner she passed every day in Beijing: 'Pain is temporary — Pride is forever', to give her all and complete her event, despite the back injury which plagued her.

The gala celebration, held in the village community hall, started with the Border Morris Dancers, who were followed by a demonstration of multi-skill activities for children, focusing on ABC — Agility, Balance and Co-ordination.

Pat Kerslake's demonstration of the use of stress balls by the WI was followed by a demonstration of Pilates, and an invitation to join classes in the village hall.

The Healthy Horrabridge recipe book was launched by school headteacher Becky Crispin, and the Rev Geoff Lloyd described his sponsored slim, before a demonstration of Scottish dancing.

An exhibition of table-tennis highlighted a new activity.

The many activities to have received a boost from the initiative include the badminton club, the local walking group, short mat bowling and the salsa club whose demonstration topped the bill.

Co-ordinator of the Healthy Horrabridge initiative John Howells said: 'The past year has seen the introduction of many new activities and a welcome boost for some that were already up and running.

'The initiative has really got the village buzzing, and it's encouraging to see that new activities are still emerging.

'Michaela's interest will hopefully inspire more people, young and old to get involved. After all, life shouldn't be a spectator sport!'