AN innovative weight-loss scheme for pupils at a Swindon school has been a big hit.

Eight students from Greendown Community School took part in the 10-week course, which helps youngsters lose weight through a combination of physical activity and nutritional education.

And they all received certificates for completing the course.

The programme was run by MEND - Mind, Exercise, Nutrition. Do it - a healthy lifestyle programme aimed at seven to 13-year-old overweight children, and funded by Sainsbury's.

One of the children who benefited from the twice-weekly sessions was 11-year-old Mario Goncalves.

Mario, who is originally from Spain, but who now lives in Old Town, said he was more confident because of the course.

He said: "We do a lot of different exercises and we've learned about food.

"The teachers are really nice and I've made some good friends through the course.

Sophie Embling, 13, was another pupil who benefited from the sessions. She said: "I enjoyed the dancing lessons and I've learned about food.

"I don't eat as much fatty food now and I try a new fruit or vegetable every day."

Sophie's mother , Sandra, said: "There are also sessions for the parents, so we learn about different issues to do with nutrition and obesity.

Pat McDonald, Sainsbury's community food and health adviser for Swindon, said it was important to get the family involved.

She said: "The focus of MEND is not only on losing weight, it's also about learning ways to achieve a healthy lifestyle."