Health trainers aim to get town fitter
The Health Trainer service, in Newcastle, will develop individual health plans and refer people to a range of initiatives such as walking schemes and weight loss programmes.
Newcastle Borough Council and NHS North Staffordshire have joined forces to provide the service, which will be targeted at areas where people have traditionally suffered from poor health, such as Chesterton, Knutton and Silverdale, Cross Heath and Kidsgrove.
Yesterday's launch event saw 200 balloons released into the skies above Newcastle town centre.
Health trainers were also on hand, encouraging people to improve their diets by offering them free samples of fresh fruit.
Jackie Small, head of health improvement at NHS North Staffordshire, said: "Whether you want to lose weight, take up more exercise, or quit smoking, this service can help you."
Anyone aged 16 or over can be referred to the service by a GP or call the service directly on 0800 141 2118.
Pictured is Ashley Alexander, health trainer for Knutton.
Picture: Mark Scott
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