When Amanda Broomhall discovered her eight-year-old son Thomas weighed the same as her, she realised it was time to exercise some tough love.

So the 36-year-old mum-of-two, from Penhill, cut back on buying sweet treats and encouraged Thomas to take more exercise.

She also enrolled him on a pioneering children's fitness scheme called MEND (Mind Exercise Nutrition Do It), run by the Swindon Primary Care Trust in partnership with Swindon Council.

That was five months ago - and the progress is plain to see.

Thomas has lost nearly a stone and is more active than ever.

To prove it, he plans to enter a fun run with his sister Bernie, nine, as part of Challenge Swindon Festival of Sport which takes place on Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1.

Amanda said: "Thomas has always been a strapping lad, but when his weight was identical to mine - just over eight stone - I knew something had to change.

"In the past, if he liked it he ate it and I encouraged this by buying sweets and other junk food.

"So that stopped and having chocolate or crisps became an occasional treat or reward, rather than a daily routine."

Amanda read about MEND in the Adver and thought it would support her own efforts to improve her son's lifestyle.

The scheme involves children, aged between seven and 13, and their parents attending two weekly sessions at council-run venues which offer guidance on healthy eating and exercise as well as activities, such as food label reading, a supermarket tour and swimming.

She said: "I've learned how to make meals more healthy - for example grilling instead of frying.

"And Thomas is beginning to understand that all the sugar in fizzy drinks and sweets is not good for him. "Thomas is so much more active now. He goes swimming, walks to school and spends less time in front of the TV or computer.

"It's the little things that add up to make a big difference."

Thomas has so far lost 11lbs and weighs 7stone 4lbs.

His BMI (Body Mass Index), formerly 29 and in the obese category, is now 26 - almost in the normal range.

"I am so proud of him," said Amanda. "He's full of energy and has more confidence.

"When we found out about the Festival of Sport, I thought it would be a great way to celebrate Thomas's success.

"He has come a long way in such a short space of time and I can't wait to see him running on the day with his sister, who has also benefited from the MEND programme."