YOUNGSTERS can get fit by signing up to a free healthy lifestyle course.

The MEND programme - mind, exercise, nutrition, do it - is a ten week course for young people aged seven to 13 who are above a healthy weight.

Parents and their children attend two sessions a week to learn about nutrition and take part in interactive workshops.

The programme is worth more than £400 and is funded by NHS Greenwich.

MEND’s operations manager for London, Claire Flood, said: “Kids love the fun activities and games, while the parents tell us they enjoy learning about healthy eating and swapping tips with other parents.

“As well as losing weight, kids leave the programme with more energy and a huge boost in self-esteem”.

The next programme will be held at Arches Leisure Centre, in Trafalgar Road, Greenwich, from, May 6.

For information, call 0800 230 0263 or visit mendcentral.org