Fans take shot of health advice

The adverts promote a free text service to fans

Fans at a Midlands' football club are being offered the chance to watch their team at the same time as leaning how to become more healthy.

Health bosses have paid £20,000 to advertise the free text service on stands at Walsall Football Club's Bescot stadium in the Black Country.

By texting 64446, fans can get a free monthly text in return advising how to live a healthier life.

Health bosses have justified the cost saying it will help reduce illness.

The health texts include advice on cutting smoking or drinking alcohol and eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

"We spend a lot of money in Walsall on illness and we spend a small amount on health," said Paul Jennings, chief executive of Walsall Primary Care Trust.

"This is part of our health promotion budget, trying to get people before they're ill and get them to improve their lives."