Sports classes and activities are being held during the summer break to help youngsters shed extra weight.

Darlington Borough Council leisure services department is running the programme following the publication of a report on youth obesity by the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management.

With this in mind, and with the purpose of promoting local community sports clubs, the leisure services team is organising the following leisure and sports courses during the summer holidays in the town.

The courses, all taken by qualified local coaches, are:

Tennis, for seven to 11-year-olds, at Polam Hall Tennis Courts on July 24, 25 and 26, from 2pm to 3.30pm, and for eight to 15 years, at Polam Hall Tennis Courts, on August 1, 2, 3 and 4, between 2pm and 3.30pm.

Girls Football, for eight to 13 years, at Eastbourne Sports Complex, on July 24, 25, 26 and 27, from 10.30am to noon.

Kwik Cricket, for seven to 11 years, at Eastbourne Sports Complex, on August 1, 2 and 3, from 10am to 11.30am.

Hockey for beginners, for eight to 12 years, at Eastbourne Sports Complex on August 9, 10 and 11, from 10am to 11.30am.

American Flag Football, for ten to 15 years, at Eastbourne Sports Complex, on July 26, 27 and 28, from 2pm to 4pm.

For further information, contact Eastbourne Sports Complex on (01325) 243188.