People in Thirsk have an extra incentive to fight the flab.

Staff at the town's swimming pool are offering prizes to customers who do the best job of shedding the excesses of Christmas.

To win three months' silver membership at Thirsk Baths Lifestyle Fitness Centre, entrants must be measured and weighed at the start and finish of a ten-week programme.

Winners will then be chosen from three age categories.

Assistant manager Tom Stuart said: "Staff will measure weight, body fat, blood pressure, lung capacity, flexibility and heart rate before writing new fitness programmes for each customer.

"They will be used to check progress and, throughout the challenge, instructors will be on hand to help and give that vital motivation."

To enter the competition call the pool on (01845) 522447 or visit the Chapel Street centre.