Last updated 12:52, Saturday, 04 October 2008

FIGHTING fat can be fun. That’s the message from Maryport’s Netherhall Community Sports group on the launch of its third MEND programme aimed at helping overweight children aged between seven and 13.

MEND stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!

Maryport is the only town in the district which has successfully held two previous programmes of this kind.

Programme co-ordinator Tracy Taylor said its sessions were aimed at whole families.

She explained: “We do not accept children on their own. It is important that we focus on the family instead of an individual child. We teach them better diet and better way of life.”

Mrs Taylor added: “Parents often come along and feel guilty because they think it is their fault that their children are overweight or inactive.

“But by the end they are much more relaxed and will contribute. They make friends too and we have outings.”

Netherhall community sports centre manager Brian Taylor said this was not a “boot camp.”

The first of the new MEND programmes begins on Monday, October 13. For more information call Tracy on 01900 813434.