A GROUP set up to try get a million more people in Essex to take part in sport and physical activities has appointed three new board members.

Active Essex has strengthened its team with three new appointments across the county.

Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group chief officer Caroline Rassell, who is responsible for planning healthcare for Maldon, Chelmsford and Braintree,will now also sit on the board of Active Essex.

Speaking of her appointment she said: “Without the work Active Essex is doing in helping people live active lives, the health service is going to struggle.

“It’s even more important for people who are diagnosed with long-term conditions that they keep active for their physical and mental health.”

She is joined on the Active Essex board by Benfleet headteacher Elizabeth Cornish and Healthwatch Essex boss David Sollis.

Active Essex chairman Azeem Akhtar has also been re-elected and appointed to the Sport England board of directors.