THE Big Lottery Fund has awarded the district council with 'Fit for Business' recognition, as the first organisation in Essex to achieve this title.

The National Lottery funded programme, 'Wellbeing in the East', works with 37 businesses across the East of England to promote health in the workplace.

Epping Forest District council achieved points for activities organised for staff including lunchtime walks, badminton, Wii sessions and stress busting.

The Sports and Health Development Team at the council is now developing a two-year action plan to include a new lunchtime initiative for all staff.