Football club trust to run healthy living programme

The fitness programme will be run by the charitable arm of Preston North End Football Club

A football club's community trust is joining up with a council to try to get residents to do more exercise.

Only 61% of adults in Preston are physically active enough to benefit their health - significantly less than the England average, the city council said.

Preston North End Community and Education Trust (PNECET) has been given a £100,000 contract to run a fitness programme.

People who take part will be offered advice on how to manage their weight and exercise training.

Two 12-week programmes will begin in January.

One is for adults and one is for children aged between five and 10.

'Happier and healthier'

The children's programme will be about physical activity "in a fun, interactive and safe environment", the council said, adding that they will also develop cooking skills.

Adults will also be helped to examine any weight loss barriers and make healthier food choices.

Head of Health and Wellbeing at PNECET, Emma McNamara, said: "We know that achieving a healthier weight can be a challenge and maintaining a healthier weight can be difficult too."

Councillor Martyn Rawlinson added: "This programme will play a vital role in reducing health inequalities and obesity, helping Preston residents feel healthier and happier."