Health chiefs from Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust and North End have teamed up to encourage youngsters to adopt a more healthy, active lifestyle.

A pilot scheme of the Schools Football and Healthy Lifestyles programme proved so successful at nine schools across the county it is now to be rolled out at 45 primary and secondary schools.

The Lancashire Evening Post recently revealed how more than 25% of children starting school in Central Lancashire are overweight or obese.

From this new school term, health bosses will automatically send letters out to parents to let them know if their child is too heavy and offer tips on living a healthier lifestyle.

It is hoped the eight-week programme run by PNE coaching staff will give children a taste of good nutrition and exercise.

The club's general manager Ben Rhodes said: "We are delighted to be able to extend this scheme with Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust.

"Our partnership with the PCT, which involves the siting of the Long-Term Conditions Centre at Deepdale, as well as the healthy schools programme, is a community project we are proud to be involved with."

Doreen Hounslea, director of commissioning and community engagement at the PCT, said: "The programme is proving hugely successful at getting children to sit up and listen.

"Children seem much more receptive to taking advice from coaches who they know train their favourite footballers."

Each 60-minute session includes a practical lesson based around nutrition and a physical activity.

Topics include healthy fats versus bad fats, vitamins and the importance of breakfast. There will also be healthy recipes.

The children are also given a football masterclass teaching them skills such as baseline agility, aerial control, heading and team play.

A total of 27% of reception year children in central Lancashire are overweight and obese according to the National Childhood Weighing and Measuring Programme.