CHILDREN are being given the opportunity to get fit and in shape for summer. The fitness programme will be held at Burgoyne Middle School in Potton starting on April 16. MEND - mind, exercises, nutrition…do it - is backed by supermarket giant Sainsbury s

CHILDREN are being given the opportunity to get fit and in shape for summer.

The fitness programme will be held at Burgoyne Middle School in Potton starting on April 16.

MEND - mind, exercises, nutrition...do it - is backed by supermarket giant Sainsbury's and the Youth Sport Trust.

The programme is aimed at seven to 13-year-old overweight children and involves fun exercise activities and is designed to improve children's fitness, physical activity levels, nutrition and self-esteem.

The 10-week programme will include such exercises as dance, martial fitness, cheerleading, circus skills, skipping, hula hooping and space hopper races.

Each session is specifically designed to reach young people who may not be getting involved in sport and physical activity through traditional routes.

Sian Fox, Sainsbury's community food health advisor, said: "The activity sessions at MEND are simple but exciting and focus on making exercise fun again, especially for kids who are not fans of traditional school sports.

"In a friendly, relaxed environment children are more likely to give something new a go, and maybe even keep exercising for good as a result."

In addition to exercise, children taking part in MEND are inspired to enjoy eating healthy food. The programme also includes fruit and vegetable tastings, easy recipe ideas, and a cookery evening.

For more details on the MEND programme at Burgoyne Middle School, call 020 7231 7225 or go to www.mendprogramme.org and click on sign up to MEND programme.