A free football-focussed weight loss programme is set to kick off in the Maldon district next Wednesday (12 January).

Man v Fat is aimed at men in the district who are put off by traditional weight loss programmes and have a BMI of 27.5 or over.

The programme will take place over 12 weeks at the Plume Academy, on Fambridge Road, at 8pm each Wednesday.

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

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."

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."

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.

Although the scheme is currently fully booked, anyone interested can sign up here to be contacted when a space in the league becomes available.