A SPORTS psychologist has been drafted in to help overweight residents shed their unwanted pounds.

Anwar Haq, who is also a behaviour therapist, will be leading the Mind and Body workshops at Images Gym at Bury's Castle Leisure Centre.

He is confident that participants can not just lose weight but also control it. The same techniques can also be harnessed to help give up smoking and reduce stress.

Carl Jakeway, Bury's health and fitness manager, said: "Anwar has developed specific techniques through his research and practice with professional sports men and women as well as students. He has now adopted those to cope with weight control and loss as well as stress and other matters."