A NEW programme is being piloted in Darlington next month to tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity.

The Junior One Life programme aims to help parents in Darlington of children, aged between eight and 11, who are concerned about their youngsters' weight.

It will concentrate on helping change poor diet and exercise habits. It aims to get children more physically active by taking part in a variety of low-impact exercises including trampoline, martial arts, swimming, circuit training, dancing and pilates.

Darlington Primary Care Trust's senior community dietician Julie Blakey said: "Obesity rates among children in Darlington are on the increase and we now have more children classed as overweight by the age of five and obese by the age of 11 than the national average.

"It's important for parents and children to be active, and we are looking for families who would like to change their attitude to food and exercise to take part in a free pilot scheme of 12 weeks' fun, food and fitness."

The programme, to be held at Longfield School, will consist of parent and child workshops, physical activities, meal planning, preparation and practical cookery sessions.

The pilot will run from 4pm to 5pm every Tuesday, and 6pm to 7.30pm on Thursdays. It is due to start on February 5.

"Places are already starting to fill up, but there are still some spaces available," said Ms Blakey.

"This is the first time that a scheme such as this has been available in Darlington and all we ask is that parents and children who would like to come along have a real commitment to improving their health and fitness."

Junior One Life was due to be launched last September involving only three schools in the borough.

However, it will now be available to all the town's primary schools and will focus specifically on obesity for maximum impact.

The scheme is funded by the Local Area Agreement, Darlington Primary Care Trust, Darlington Borough Council, Zone Active, GEM and the Big Lottery Fund and is supported by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust.

Four more information on the Junior One Life programme, contact Ms Balckey on 07803-150844, or 01325-746161