A major health roadshow to encourage people in Pembrokeshire to improve their lifestyles has been declared a big success.

Health Challenge Pembrokeshire roadshow launched six weeks ago aimed at getting people to think about their fitness, diet and lifestyle.

The campaign took to the road with health experts attending community events up and down the county, as well as getting schools and sheltered housing involved.

Pembrokeshire Local Health Board chairman Chris Martin said the response had been "fantastic". He said: "The feedback has been excellent and people have welcomed the chance to talk to someone about how they could improve their lifestyle, whether it is giving up smoking or improving their diet or taking more exercise.

"We applaud the work already happening in the community to change people's lives and we were delighted this year to join in with their activities."

Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet member for health and well-being, Sian James, added: "We offered to check people's blood pressure and cholesterol and talked about how even small changes in someone's lifestyle can have a dramatic improvement on their health. The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were also on hand offering safety advice and free home safety checks."

Schools throughout the county have backed the roadshow, organising fun runs, healthy food tasting sessions and advice on staying safe in the sun. The roadshow came to an end with an aerobathon where people were asked to join in an aerobics session.

Campaigners launched a website a year ago - the first of its kind in Wales - and have been stunned at the level of interest. People can click on to http://www.healthchallengepembrokeshire.co.uk">www.healthchallengepembrokeshire.co.uk to find out information on a whole variety of health issues and the site includes a healthy kids section with advice for parents and teachers and games to play.

Mr. Martin said: "The website continues to go from strength to strength and we hope that it will help get the message across that our lifestyle has a direct impact on our long term health. Just taking regular exercise can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by 20 per cent."

Health Challenge Pembrokeshire is backed by the Local Health Board, Pembrokeshire County Council, the National Public Health Service, Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust and PAVS.