A NEW health programme to help families get fit and healthy this winter starts at Darwen Vale High School on November 5.

ACES, or Active Children Eating Smart, has been designed with practical solutions to support families through realistic and achievable lifestyle changes.

It wants to help them become more active, eat healthily and reduce ‘screen time’.

During the six-week programme, families will be able to access fun physical activity sessions and nutrition education.

There will also be a chance to learn and improve basic cooking skills.

The programme, run by Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Health and Fitness team is looking for six families with children between eight and 12, to attend three weekly, two hour sessions, over a six week period.

Borough health boss Mohammed Khan said: “Encouraging children and young people to adopt healthy habits can be quite a challenge.”