Slimming clubs prescribed on NHS

A health scheme, in which GPs prescribe slimming club vouchers to overweight people, has been adopted in Weston-super-Mare.

The trial is part of an initiative by North Somerset Primary Care Trust to tackle obesity.

Patients receive a dozen pre-paid vouchers to attend clubs which normally cost about £4 or £5 a week.

The scheme, modelled on one being run in Bristol, may be expanded throughout North Somerset if successful.