Coronation Street starlet Georgia May Foote was a willing participant in promoting a pioneering campaign to get women more active.

The actress, aged 22, led the way for scores of women and girls at St John’s Square on The Rock last Saturday to engage in the “I Will if You Will” initiative.

Georgia, who plays the role of Katy Armstrong, helped activate a giant light projection across the front of the Debenhams store, powered by six exercise machines.

Other events included a “Let’s give it a shot” photo booth, a “I Will if You Will” pledge wall and a “Let’s give it a go” sport and fitness fair.

Shoppers were also wowed by 29 youngsters from Radcliffe-based Freak Dance school who performed three flashmobs to a mix of eight songs. The “I Will If You Will” movement, supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England, has been launched in Bury to make a positive change to the exercise and sporting habits of wormen and girls.

Best practice from the £2.8 million behavioural change project will be used to help increase the number of women participating in sport across the country.

Bury Council’s sports development manager Jackie Veal said: “It was great to see so many at the launch.

“Loads of people took part on the machines to light the display, which was great fun, and many women were keen to get information on the whole ‘I Will If You Will’ project.

“Georgia was really good as a Bury born-and-bred young role model.

“We had a really positive response to the campaign in general, with people signing the ‘pledge wall’ and promising to become more active during the coming year and beyond.

“We want as many women and girls as possible to get involved, especially as Bury is the national pilot area for this initiative.”

l For more information visit iwillifyouwill.co.uk