A new course is being launched in the district to help overweight children.

The free sessions, held over ten weeks, are aimed at families of youngsters aged five to 13.

There will be an initial assessment of the child’s weight, level of current physical activity and diet and eating habits.

Advice and practical activities related to healthy eating will be provided and there will be a chance to take part in exercises.

Support for both parents and children will be on offer from trained health staff.

The Mend – Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it! – programme is being run by the NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds obesity team.

A similar scheme is also available for children aged five to seven.

Spokesman Martin Earnshaw said: “Making sure your child is a healthy weight can be a struggle for many parents, but it is essential to get it right to help children eat well, move more and live longer.

“These programmes highlight that making small changes can make all the difference to families who want to become fitter and healthier, for example switching white bread and pasta to wholegrain, reducing the time your child spends watching TV or playing computer games, spending more time being active as a family and eating a healthy, balanced diet “So many families struggle with similar issues when asking their children to eat a healthy diet and be more active. The Mend programme should help them.

“Families are encouraged to attend each of the sessions because parental and peer support can help make long-lasting changes to a child’s eating habits.”

Places on the programme are limited. To register phone (01274) 202801 or for more information visit bradford.nhs.uk/your-health/obesity.