AN initiative to help overweight youngsters and their families is to start up a service in Richmondshire.

The MEND programme, which stands for mind, exercise, nutrition...do it, was due to start on Monday but has now been delayed until February to allow more people to sign up.

The free scheme had received lower than expected registrations because of the big freeze and school closures.

MEND is part of a national project offering free healthy lifestyle courses for overweight seven to 13-year-olds and their families.

Families take part in two hour sessions twice a week for ten weeks, which are designed to help them improve their eating and exercise habits in order to improve children’s fitness, physical activity levels, nutrition and self-esteem.

The Colburn project is the first of three in the region, with programmes in Thirsk and Richmond due to follow later this year.

If you have concerns about your child’s weight and lifestyle contact Lesley Williams on 01609-767242 or lesley.williams@hambleton.gov.uk for further details of the scheme.