AN EAST Lancashire health trust is introducing new measures to help staff and patients 'carry on' fighting the flab.

The team, headed by a manager who has lost seven stone in the last two years, will encourage staff to lose weight, become healthier and shatter the traditional image of overweight medics - such as the plump matron portrayed by Hattie Jacques.

As part of the scheme introduced by East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, staff restaurants will provide healthier choices, employees are being offered special rates at hospital fitness centres, and meditation and relaxation classes are available in a bid to reduce stress and associated comfort eating.

A course is also available to all staff involved in patient care to train them in how to raise the issue of obesity with patients in a sensitive and appropriate manner as well as giving guidance on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

The venture is led by the Centre for Health Promoting Hospitals, which was created in 1997 to promote health to staff, patients, their families and the wider community.

Margaret Almond-Birtwistle, Health Promoting Hospitals manager, said: "More than half the UK population is either overweight or obese.

"We aim to provide support and training for staff and patients to adopt a healthier lifestyle."