MEND has been run by Chichester District Council in partnership with West Sussex Primary Care Trust, and ten families have just completed the first programme in Selsey, the highest number to finish the free 20-session course in West Sussex.

A graduation and farewell ceremony took place at the Selsey Centre, when children received certificates to mark their efforts.

Local sports clubs attended the event, and offered taster sessions to encourage children to join. The (M)ind, (E)xercise, (N)utrition, (D)o It! graduates also have an opportunity to attend subsidised weekly exercise sessions at the Selsey Centre.

"Budgens, at Selsey, supported the initiative by hosting a successful supermarket tour where the children picked out healthy foods on offer by using their label-reading skills, and Budgens also provided MEND-friendly food for all the families to try," said a district council spokesman.

"A second programme, due to run from May to July at Westgate Leisure Centre, Chichester, is already full, with a third programme in the pipeline for September."

The MEND programme was open to children aged seven to 13 who were above their ideal weight. Accompanied by a parent or carer, the youngsters learned how to be fitter and healthier.

Cllr Heather Caird, district council portfolio holder for health, said this was about a lot more than eating well – it was about a whole new way of life.

"It's fantastic to see how popular it has been in Chichester, and to know it has made a very real difference to so many people. We look forward to future MEND programmes in this area," she added.

Some of those taking part were self-referred, with others being referred by their GP or school nurse.

The programme took place twice a week, with one hour being spent on mind and nutrition, including the opportunity to cook MEND-friendly food, and the other offering fun exercise.