A WEIGHT loss programme, featured on BBC, is heading to Bridgwater.

The MAN v FAT Football scheme has been commissioned for the town by Somerset County Council, for men with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or over.

As well as free football, every player also receives free resources and support and the league is decided not just on points won, but pounds lost.

The league begins on May 23 then meets each Monday between 7.30pm and 9.30pm, on the all-weather football pitches at Bridgwater College.

Andrew Shanahan, managing director of MAN v FAT, said: "I set up MAN v FAT when I lost over 70lbs and discovered just how little help there is out there for men who want to lose weight, so we are thrilled to bring MAN v FAT Football to Somerset.

"We’ve already had a brilliant reaction to the idea and if you’re interested in playing then get in fast as places always go fast in every league we’ve run.

"I’d urge any guys who fancy winning their battle against fat to give it a try – the only thing they have to lose is weight."

Chris Fenton, joined MAN v FAT Football in January and has dropped over 3 stone

According to statistics, 93% of players losing weight and some players losing up to 70lbs during the 14 week league.

Chris Fenton, joined MAN v FAT Football in January and has dropped over three stone.

He said: "MAN V FAT Football first gave me a kick up the behind and made me realise how bad my health is.

"I was then put into a group of lads who all had the same goals to play football and to lose weight.

"It gives me a focus and a desire to lose weight and as the weeks go on I feel better about myself.

"I have more energy and for the first time I'm able to play with my kids without getting tired. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and would recommend it to any man.”

Sue Chant, programme manager for Zing Somerset, said: "We are delighted that the MAN v FAT Football programme is coming to Somerset as it will really complement our existing healthy lifestyle programmes and offer something different for men who don’t feel able to access more mainstream services.

"We look forward to working in partnership with the local MAN v FAT team and their football league."

Register now at www.manvfat.com/football