To help combat rising obesity levels Dudley Primary Care Trust is extending a programme which encourages healthy eating and exercise to toddlers.

The Trust's MEND scheme (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, DO it!) caters for seven to 13 year olds who are above their ideal weight.

But now it is introducing Mini-MEND to encourage healthy eating and exercise amongst two to four year olds regardless of whether they are overweight.

The free ten week programme has been designed to encourage both children and parents to taste new foods and exercise, as well as teach parents about food labelling and portion sizes.

Weekly courses will include a fun active play game session followed by a snack-time session offering bite-sized pieces of different food as well as a workshop for parents while the toddlers take part in crèche-style activities.

Karen Jackson, public health consultant, said: "With childhood obesity in the UK reaching epidemic levels preventative action is needed now to prevent it rising further.

"Mini-MEND is an excellent way for parents and carers to learn how to introduce healthy foods to the family and become more active together".

The first Mini-MEND course will start on Thursday May 15 at Stourbridge Children and Families Centre. Anyone interested in joining can call Lucy Beasley on 01384 366137.