A new programme to help children aged seven to 11 stay healthy will be launched in Wiltshire later this month.

SHINE (Self-Help, Independence, Nutrition and Exercise) has been adapted for use in the county by Wiltshire Council, having been developed by SHINE Health Academy, a not-for-profit limited company based in Sheffield, to support children who are above their healthy weight range.

One in three children aged 10-11 in Wiltshire are obese or overweight, according to the 2011/2012 National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). Nationally, obesity in children in this age range has risen in recent years.

SHINE will enable children and their family to access a 12-week programme which aims to provide support to the family to make the necessary changes to lead a healthier lifestyle.

The family oriented programme will educate, support, guide, and show the fun element of a very serious problem around unhealthy lifestyles and weight that now affects over 1 million young people in the UK.

Maggie Rae, corporate director, said: “It is vital children learn how to keep themselves healthy and active from an early age in an environment that is supportive and fun.

"Each SHINE session will include fun physical activities as well as help to teach the child and their family about nutrition, food groups, portion sizes, food labelling and how to make healthier choices a habit.”

Keith Humphries, cabinet member responsible for public health, said: “Here in Wiltshire, our leisure, education and health services are working closely together to give children the best chances in life.

"We are offering SHINE as an opportunity to families who would welcome some support in achieving a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle for their child aged seven to 11.

"This programme has the potential to make a big difference in young people’s health and consequently their entire lives.”

The pilot runs from September 24 to December 17 in Trowbridge. The scheme will then be rolled out across the county in Tidworth, Chippenham and Salisbury as well as Trowbridge from January 2015.

For more information or to register, contact the SHINE team at SHINE@wiltshire.gov.uk or Victoria Richardson on 01225 716674. GPs, school nurses, parent support advisors or other health professionals can also refer and offer support and advice.

More information can be found at www.activewiltshire.org.uk. Individuals can check whether they, or anyone in their family, is within the healthy weight range by visiting www.nhs.uk/bmi