A scheme aimed at encouraging people with disabilities to take up sport is celebrating after signing up more than 270 participants in Barnet.

The Borough Better Inclusive Membership initiative was set up to encourage children and adults with disabilities to participate in a variety of sporting activities.

It is running the initiative at all five of its centres including Barnet Copthall leisure centre, Finchley Lido leisure centre, Hendon leisure centre, Barnet Burnt Oak leisure centre and Church Farm leisure centre.

Steve Heard, Better CSO for Barnet, said: "We are really pleased to be making these great strides and the growing numbers of participants show that we are making a difference to the community."

Better is also working closely with Barnet Mencap charity, which supports people with learning disabilities in the borough.

Shelley Gibbons, Barnet Mencap’s community project manager, said: "Sport and leisure activities are important to everyone and we will continue to advise and work with the team closely to make sure sports facilities are accessible for those in our community."

An open day is currently being planned in order to showcase Better's plans for Barnet in 2014. Information will be available via www.better.org.uk/Barnet