RESIDENTS are being encouraged to exercise during the 'fire-break' period in Wales.

The tough restrictions start on 6pm on Friday, October 23.

People are advised to exercise from their homes and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB will be posting ideas for local walks throughout the lockdown period on its social media account.

Residents are asked not to travel to exercise or visit beauty spots in the county such as Loggerheads and Moel Famau country parks.

Cllr Tony Thomas, council’s lead member for housing and communities, said: “During the lockdown residents are asked not to travel to exercise so we are encouraging residents to take advantage of their local areas.

“Exercise is vitally important for everyone’s wellbeing and from the coastal areas with their beaches to the rural areas of the county there are a wealth of local walks and opportunities for exercise."

“We are encouraging residents to take advantage of their local area, to exercise from home and to continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene to stop the spread of the virus and protect our communities.”

A spokesperson from the Welsh Government said: "Exercise is important for physical and mental health, and you can leave home as often as you like to exercise as long as you do so from home and alone or with members of your household and / or a carer."

In terms of what kind of exercise is permitted, the Welsh Government say there are no legal limits but in practice, exercise is constrained by other restrictions that have been imposed (such as the closure of leisure centres, gyms and swimming pools).

The spokesperson added: "As one of the purposes of the restrictions is to reduce pressure on the Welsh NHS, we also ask people to avoid activities that involve a significant degree of risk for example swimming or other exercise at sea, or in lakes, rivers or other waterways".

The Countryside Centre at Loggerheads Country Park will be closed during the lockdown.