CELEBRITIES are promoting healthy lifestyles on Teesside.

Health chiefs are using a magazine format to get their message across, particularly to young women.

The Your Life! magazine has celebrity interviews, tips and eight pages of information about NHS services.

It is being distributed through GP surgeries, dentists, opticians, pharmacists, gyms and leisure centres in Middlesbrough and Eston.

In the first issue, singer Ms Dynamite speaks about how her life has changed since the birth of her son, Shavaar, and actress Amanda Mealing talks about her inspiring fight for survival after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

There are also interviews with actor Ricky Tomlinson and actress Claire Sweeney and information on stopping smoking.

Colin McLeod, chief executive of Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust, said: "More and more people are taking an interest in their long-term health, but aren't sure where to go for practical, easy to follow advice on eating well, getting fit, or giving up smoking.

"The real-life experiences of celebrities and local people bring some of our biggest health problems to life, but at the same time, you know you can rely on the advice because it comes from the NHS.''

Ms Dynamite said: "The magazine is a really good idea, it should help young women find out about the help that is available to them in their area."

Middlesbrough is one of 75 trusts which have joined forces with independent healthcare information provider Dr Foster to produce the magazine.