A free football-based weight loss programme is set to launch in Maldon at the start of next year.

Man v Fat is aimed at men in the Maldon district - which covers Burnham-on-Crouch and the Dengie - who are put off by traditional weight loss programmes and have a BMI of 27.5 or over.

The 12-week programme will take place at the Plume Academy, on Fambridge Road, at 8pm each Wednesday - starting on 12 January.

It is being organised by Maldon District Council in partnership with Active Essex and the Plume Academy.

Councillor Richard Siddall, leader designate of the district council, said: "This is a great community partnership that I hope will prove to be a life-changing success for the men taking part, pointing them towards a healthy lifestyle.

"We are grateful to Active Essex who have funded this programme through their Find Your Active fund, meaning that taking part in the league will be free for men in our district."

Simon King, mid Essex relationship manager at Active Essex, said: "This is just one of a number of activities that have been supported through our Find Your Active Fund across the district.

"It is our hope that these types of initiatives will act as a catalyst to encourage the residents of Maldon to be more physically active, ensuring they are able to lead a happy, healthy and active life."

Each session will begin with a weigh-in before four 30 minute, six-a-side games of football.

The footballers will score points for goals and for the pounds they have lost.

The programme aims to improve participants' mental health as well as their physical fitness.

Dan Church, south east regional manager at Man v Fat, said: "Man v Fat is helping break down barriers when it comes to male weight loss by opening new doors for men to lose weight, whilst being surrounded by likeminded individuals with shared goals that are scored both on and off the pitch.

"We look forward to kicking off in January to improve men's health and wellbeing in the district and welcoming those men into our ever-growing weight loss community."

Chris Barton, whole academy lead for marketing, media communications and community engagement at the Plume Academy, said: "It is an absolute privilege for us as an academy to be involved and we hope all those that take part, reach a successful and rewarding outcome."

Players can sign up for the league by clicking here.