More than 3,000 hospital staff are set to get fit and active in the run-up to London 2012 as plans are made to improve on-site sports and exercise opportunities.

The pledge has been made at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn as part of Active Norfolk's Pledge 2012 initiative.

It also ties in with the work the hospital has been doing through the Fit4Work project which is open to all organisations and is an opportunity for workplaces in Norfolk to encourage their staff to be more active and reap the benefits of a healthy workforce.

Through Fit4Work, the hospital's staff have had access to a running club, modern jive dancing and badminton in November, which have proved to be popular. Plans are in place for more new activities in the new year.

Laura Kelly, health and wellbeing co-ordinator for staff at the QEH, said: 'This is a great initiative and we are very committed to supporting our staff in becoming more active.

'After consultation with staff it was requested that we extend the range of exercise courses and activities available on site and at suitable times – after work, for example.

'We are determined to promote the 2012 spirit around the hospital to improve the health and well being of all of our staff.'

All activities which are part of the Fit4Work scheme will lead up to the Active Norfolk Fit4Work Corporate Games, which will be held at the UEA Sportspark on Friday, June 15.

Last year, 40 organisations from around the county took part, with Norfolk police walking away with the winners' trophy.

As well as getting businesses and organisations to sign up to the its Fit4work initiative, Active Norfolk is encouraging corporate pledges through Pledge2012. This could be trying to get a certain number of people participating in a one-off sporting event or carrying out exercise for a certain number of hours a week.

kate.scotter@archant.co.uk