Help for overweight children is available in the form of a free healthy lifestyle programme.

The MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!) programme starts at the Redbridge Leisure Centre in Forest Road, Barkingside on January 14.

The course is open to 7-13 year olds who are over a healthy weight and their parents or carers who must accompany them.

The programme lasts for 10 weeks (20 sessions) and will run from 5pm-7pm every Monday and Wednesday.

Sessions consist of one hour of theory and fun exercises concerning nutrition before children do one hour of physical exercise while the adults learn more about providing a healthy lifestyle for their children.

To sign up or for find out more contact Alex Bland on 0844 406 9000 x7395.