AN experiment is to be mounted in Middlesbrough in an attempt to lower obesity levels.

The Get a Better Life research project - led by the University of Teesside - aims to get at least 1,000 residents from the town and surrounding area to change their diet and activity levels.

Volunteers will be asked to work towards the pledges for a year and the results analysed by the campus-based research team.

The project is being funded with a £500,000 research grant from the Food Standards Agency.

University researchers aim to lift the lid on people's eating and exercise habits and discover whether a programme of small, but significant, interventions can make local people healthier.

Professor Carolyn Summerbell, head of the university's centre for food, physical activity and obesity, said: "Teesside has much work to do in improving its health record.

"We are failing the fitness test on levels of obesity and smoking.

"Every year, heart disease and strokes cause more than 500 early deaths on Teesside, leaving people in some areas of Middlesbrough with the same average life expectancy as those in North Korea, Mongolia, Guatemala, and Vanuata.

"Key targets include promoting healthier food choices by reducing the consumption of foods high in fat and sugar, and building physical activity into our lives by getting people moving as a normal part of their day.

"People who take part in the Get a Better Life campaign will get feedback on what they eat and do, and will be supported in terms of resources to enable them to stick to their pledge and stay healthy."

Project manager Frances Hillier said: "It would be wonderful if, in two or three years' time, we can say we're no longer the worst in the country and we are improving.

That would be fantastic."

The challenge represents the largest project of its kind carried out by the university.

Everyone who makes their pledges will receive a free support pack containing a T-shirt, water bottle and pedometer.

There will be prize draws for those taking part.

Data collection for the project will finish next year, and the final project report will be produced in December next year.