A WOMAN from Calne has won a year's free leisure membership for her achievements in this year's Olympic-themed Big Pledge challenge.

More than 18,000 people took part in this year's Big Pledge Road To Rio between June 4-July 29 and those who took on the toughest challenge were entered into the draw for the gym membership, which 71-year-old Maggie Cameron scooped.

The challenge, which encouraged people of all ages to get more active as an individual or team, had seven different categories of walking, running, swimming and cycling which had a bronze, silver or gold distance.

Mrs Cameron said: "I took part in two Big Pledge Road to Rio challenges this year, walking and swimming. I managed to reach gold in both challenges and enjoyed the incentive to push myself beyond what I normally achieve, particularly in the walking.

"Winning the prize was totally unexpected as I hadn’t even realised there was a prize draw. But that is the bonus. Participating in extra exercise is the real reward in terms of increased fitness and health."

In total, an incredible 779,742km was covered which is the equivalent to 42 return journeys to Rio, while individuals covered more than 43km on average.

Jonathon Seed, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for leisure, said: "Big Pledge showed that sometimes all people need is a challenge and a bit of motivation to get more active. We have fantastic leisure facilities throughout the county to help people who want to try out a variety of different sports and activities. A really big well done to Maggie for her superb efforts and everyone else who took part."

Wiltshire Council is hoping that the challenge has reinvigorated people's passion for sport and exercise and that it will leave a legacy behind, much like the Olympics itself.

Jerry Wickham, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health, said: "Challenges like this really help people focus on their health and shows that doing just a short amount of exercise a day can make a really big difference.

"Our hope now is that all those who took part carry on running, swimming, walking and doing lots of other fun activities to keep themselves and their family healthy and happy – that would be a lovely legacy."