FAMILIES are being urged to get healthy and exercise more.

Tees and North-East NHS Trust is teaming up with the Sitara Initiative to launch a healthy eating and physical activity project, at the Multi Cultural Centre, in Middlesbrough's South Bank, on Tuesday.

It will start with a healthy barbecue, from 6pm to 8pm, at the multi cultural centre in Harcourt Road.

The project, funded by the SRB and Teesside Health Action Zone, aims to get families involved in healthy living initiatives and to raise awareness of environmental concerns, such as the benefits of home-grown vegetables.

The project has been devised in response to national Government statistics, which show Asian communities are more susceptible to chronic heart disease, diabetes and strokes than the wider community.

The scheme is an extension of the Fitness, Food and Dance club, which has been set up by young Asian girls in the area. The girls organise physical activities and healthy cooking sessions.