A HEALTH initiative could help tackle obesity cases and other conditions such as diabetes.

Take That Step is a free health referral service available across Hambleton, North Yorkshire.

Lisa Wilson, communities manager at Hambleton District Council, said: "It’s an intensive 12 week lifestyle programme for adults with health conditions, such as obesity or diabetes, which could be improved if they were supported to make more positive lifestyle choices.

“On average, an inactive person spends 38 per cent more days in hospital than an active person. This scheme helps to tackle that problem, head-on.”

Other organisations involved in the project are the Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group and North Yorkshire County Council Public Health.

Dr Vicky Pleydell, chief officer of the commissioning group, added: “The Take That Step team work tirelessly with local GPs to encourage individuals to reflect on their health and wellbeing and take positive steps to a better lifestyle.

“We hope that we can continue to improve lives and have a real impact on reducing obesity and diabetes.”

The programme is available to residents of Hambleton aged 18 and over who meet some essential criteria.

They are particularly interested in hearing from residents in the Bedale, Stokesley and Thirsk areas.

Participants must be referred to the Take That Step programme by their GP.