CRAVEN residents with perhaps a few 'unsightly pounds' are being encouraged to join a new, free healthy lifestyles plan at Craven Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre.

Health professionals are embracing the Healthy Lifestyles Programme and are encouraging people to sign up for three months free access to advice and support.

The programme, funded by North Yorkshire County Council, includes nutritional advice, exercise classes, and concessionary use of facilities at both Craven Pool and Fitness Centre, in Aireville Park.

Launched last July, a number of pharmacies have now jumped on board with the scheme and are handing out leaflets encouraging people to sign up.

Jonathan Taylor, pharmacist at Carleton Pharmacy, said: “We are often asked for information and advice on losing weight. This free 12-week programme that combines nutritional advice with exercise seems like a great way for our customers to benefit and improve their health.

“Once I heard about this scheme I was keen to have details of the programme available for customers visiting our pharmacy. It’s particularly useful that they can refer themselves to the scheme without needing to visit a GP.”

Kerry McMullen, 42, a private tutor and violin teacher from Skipton, lost more than 17 Ibs in 12 weeks with the scheme.

“I wanted to lose a bit of weight. I was already coming to the gym here and I had tried to lose weight before and it wasn’t going, so I thought I’d try this,” she said.

“The weekly support was really helpful. They do weigh you but it’s done privately so it’s not too embarrassing. They give information about nutrition and about portion sizes and healthy lifestyles, thinking about choices you make when you eat out.

“The exercise was tailored to each person’s needs in the class – there were people there in their 80s and people in their 20s.”

To qualify for the programme, people have to be over 18, live in Craven, and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 25, which is classed 'overweight'.

Residents can now refer themselves to the scheme rather than relying on a health professional to do so.

Funding for the programme has been provided by North Yorkshire County Council’s Public Health Team to help people to manager their weight to avoid such issues as type two diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other health conditions.

Participants have a number of goals that they need to try and achieve along the way, including a three per cent weight loss target at the end of the 12 weeks and a five per cent weight loss target after six months.

If they achieve a minimum of three per cent, weight loss after twelve weeks, they are given a free one month swim pass and if they achieve a five per cent weight loss after six months they receive a £20 membership card to use against their chosen activity.

Neil Harrison, assistant manager, said: “This scheme is proving very useful for those residents who are taking part. We’d like to see more people taking up this opportunity to improve their health and fitness, and reduce their bodyweight.Anyone who thinks they may be eligible to take part in the programme, should refer themselves, or ask their health professional for a referral.”

For more details, contact the centre on 01756 792805 or complete the online application form on the website at cravendc.gov.uk/healthylifestyles