RESIDENTS hoping to shed a few post-Christmas pounds will have extra help this year.

Gateshead Council has taken on four physical activity development workers to motivate people to exercise.

The recruits include Paula Shaw, who previously worked as a personal trainer, and Gareth Evans, who has worked for Nottingham Fire Service and was a rugby coach in Australia.

Funded by Active England, the four will be based at Gateshead International Stadium to work with people employed in Gateshead, people referred for exercise or health reasons, school leavers and older people.

Council cabinet member for culture, Councillor John McElroy, said: "By working with specific groups within the community we hope they will have a real impact on the health and lifestyle of people in Gateshead."