FREE dance sessions to help youngsters lose weight and get fit are being held at an NHS health centre which is renowned for its cutting edge initiatives.

FREE dance sessions to help youngsters lose weight and get fit are being held at an NHS health centre which is renowned for its cutting edge initiatives.

East Anglia's leading dance organisation has joined forces with Stowhealth Surgery in Get Movin' with DanceEast, a project designed to prevent and combat obesity in young people.

And if the pilot pioneering idea is successful the move could be rolled out into other areas of Suffolk.

Funded by Suffolk Strategic Partnership, an organisation which brings together key agencies, the initiative is free with a maximum number of 20 places available for each of two age groups, nine to 13-years-old and 13 to 18-years-old.

The programme offers a variety of fun sessions and workshops with the aim of increasing fitness levels, promoting healthier lifestyles, teaching new skills and boosting self-esteem.

Weekly dance sessions, with no experience required, will be combined with workshops on nutrition advice, tasting sessions, art therapy, relaxation techniques and alternative fitness methods.

Elaine Aylott, health improvement manager at NHS Suffolk, the county's primary care trust, said: “One of our major roles is to improve the health and wellbeing of the population.

“Wherever possible, we will encourage people to cut their risk of contracting preventable illness by taking steps such as maintaining a healthy weight.”

Supporters of this initiative include Ipswich Town Football Club Community Trust who will be giving sports taster sessions, and Ipswich juice bar, MyJuice, who will be promoting the benefits of five-a-day with their smoothie making session.

Ongoing support will be offered by Stowhealth and DanceEast, and parents or guardians will be invited to some of the sessions so that they can support their child.

An open morning will take place on Saturday September 6 at Stowhealth Surgery, Violet Hill House, Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket, from 10am to 11am for nine to 13-year-olds and from 11am for 13 to 18-year-olds.

Applications are invited from anyone living in Suffolk and able to attend the sessions in Stowmarket and for more information contact Claire Bourgein on 01473 295234, by e-mail to claire.bourgein@danceeast.co.uk or text 07979 931543 with your name and address.