FAMILIES are being encouraged to make fitness their New Year's resolution by signing up to a free programme.

Shape Up With Your Family is a 12-week course, starting on January 3 to educate families about ways to improve diet and fitness.

The sessions will take place at Alma Street Day Centre, in Stockton, on Thursdays between 3pm and 5pm.

The first six weeks will include exercise sessions and advice on fitness after which the focus will shift to diet and nutrition.

Sandra Brown, community health co-ordinator, said: "When people go on diets, it's usually an individual thing. Mum might have a salad while the rest of the family eat chips and gravy.

"We're hoping to try to encourage parents to think about the traditional food that we used to have. Even if it's mince and dumplings, it's better than fast food."

There are 15 places on the scheme, which is organised by North Tees Primary Care Trust and aimed at parents aged under 40 with a body mass index of between 30-35.

Interested families can contact Sandra Brown on (01642) 571030.