SLIMMERS are being encouraged to take part in a weight loss programme which has already seen 600 people lose 200 stone in the last year.

The My Weight Matters programme is coming to north Essex and is specifically designed to help people lose weight on a one-to-one basis.

Organised by the Anglian Community Enterprise, the programme will be available to slimmers in Colchester and Tendring.

Mel Idroos, health promotion co-ordinator at Anglian Community Enterprise, said: “My Weight Matters has proved very popular and successful.

“Clients are seen on an individual basis and, with the support of a fully trained facilitator, they work their way through a series of self-help guides.”

The one-to-one classes last five weeks, with each session lasting 15 minutes.

After that, each person then attends classes on a drop-in basis, to be weighed, for as long as they need to.

Everyone who signs up to take part is given a free pedometer, portion control spoon, tape measure and recipe booklet, as well as vouchers for two free gym sessions.

Classes are available in Colchester, including Colchester Cornerstone, in Sir Isaac’s Walk, Greenstead Community Centre, in Hawthorn Avenue, and The Bluebell Centre, in Jack Andrew Drive, in High Woods.