A multi-million-pound programme to help people live healthier lives will be announced in Norwich today.

Over-65s, and people who suffer from type-two diabetes or drug and alcohol problems are set for a boost thanks to a £5.4m grant from Sport England to 16 projects around the country.

The newly-appointed minister for sport, Tracey Crouch, today visits Active Norfolk's county sports partnership in Norwich to see how its 'Mobile Me' project will benefit from the investment.

Active Norfolk has been awarded £273,449.

The 'Mobile Me' scheme is designed to make it easier for inactive older people living in sheltered housing or residential care homes to start being more physically active.

It is made up of a series of 12-week sessions including sports such as bowls, table tennis, and tai chi.

Speaking ahead of the announcement, Ms Crouch said: 'What's great about these projects is the fact that they are giving people opportunities to get moving in ways that suit them.

'It's so important people are active at every stage of their life, not just in terms of ensuring fitness but it's also key to maintaining a healthy body and mind, as well as ensuring a good quality of life.'

Evidence shows that if adults are physically active it helps to prevent or manage more than 20 chronic health conditions including heart disease, cancer, and dementia.

Figures suggest around 12.5 million people in England are currently inactive.

Mike Diaper, Sport England's director of community sport, said: 'Physical activity plays a powerful role in improving people's health. But it also has a wider impact.

'We want to highlight the positive and valuable contribution that sport can make to people's health and well-being, but also the economy.

'By putting prevention at the forefront of their work, they will help to reduce the risk of inactive people developing serious health problems and in doing so save taxpayers' money.'

Have you got a health story? Email health correspondent at nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk