A football programme that helps men shed weight in Carlisle has just been the focus of a new TV documentary. 

The MAN V FAT Football five-a-side league was showcased on March, 14 as part of BBC's We are England, Sporting heroes feature. 

The league which is set up for men with a BMI of 27.50 or over is the first of it's kind within Carlisle. 

John Nicol, Mitch Bridgewater and Brian Brooks all featured within the programme alongside the story of how MAN V FAT football coach, Beverley Young, got involved. 

Beverley, 62, who was previously an environmental health officer, said it was so "heartwarming" to watch. 

The club meets regularly at Carlisle Campus Sports on Edgehill Road on Monday nights and is part of a nationwide campaign to help men tackle obesity.

Before matches, the players are weighed, which is followed by a 30-minute game, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on the amount of weight players have lost.

"Although the weight loss is sort of what it's about, I think the emotional and mental health improvements have been amazing. 

"Men helping each other is really the success of it all really, " she said. 

Players also receive additional support, including healthy and slimming recipe ideas and tips on how to keep fit. 

MAN V Fat Football promotes 90 per cent of its members loose weight. 
The well-executed documentary will now be used to train oncoming coaches getting involved with the scheme. 

The documentary honed in on the experiences gained from three of their members, John Nicol, Mitch Bridgewater and Brain Brooks. 

"The BBC have done a very good job to give us that platform," John said. 
John said the group meets are become a "community". 

"It's a positive place for like minded men both physically and mentally. 

"It's tough being a man in this day and age, expected to get on with things but what I've learnt now is that people are there for you when you're feeling a bit low through the group," he said. 

The group will be launching their 3rd season on March, 28 - with six teams now involved. 

The documentary is available to watch now on BBC Iplayer.