A NEW project designed to help those who are struggling to lead a healthier lifestyle has been hailed a success.

The Healthy Heart Hub has only been off the ground for just more than two months but already 33 people from in and around Newton Aycliffe have signed up in a bid to learn how they can better look after their hearts.

Run by Lifeline Community Action at their Silverdale Place base in the town, participants on the course have been given the knowledge and skills needed to prepare, cook and eat balanced healthy meals which improve their diet while learning about nutrition, fats and cholesterol.

Pauline Chambers, project co-ordinator, said: “We have already seen success stories as some of our participants have quit smoking, others have lost weight and all participants are learning how to eat healthily on a tight budget.

"We want to support people to become more active which makes you feel more energetic and actually makes you feel well.

"It’s also a good way to meet new people and make new friends.”

Those on the programme have been encouraged enjoy exercise and get out and about on organised walks and family activity sessions.

Exercise helps keep your heart healthy and can help you lose weight if you are also eating a healthy diet.

Participants have also been encouraged to stop smoking and have attended presentations on its damaging effects on themselves and people around them.

One of those on the programme said: "Since doing the healthy heart hub I have lost nearly a stone in weight am eating more healthy got fitter and got to know people much better. I have made new friends gained more confidence.”

Another participant said: "Attending the healthy heart hub has given me the push to start losing weight. In turn I feel healthier and have more energy."

Lifeline Community Action was awarded a grant of almost £10,000 by Heart research UK and Subway stores to fund the initiative which ends in September 2016.

It is a Christian charity that helps people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds in the Newton Aycliffe area in times of crisis.