The first graduates of NHS Hull's new Fit Fans programme were celebrating today, having lost an incredible 11 stone between them in just 12 weeks - the equivalent weight of Hull City star Andy Dawson.

Comprising 12 men from across the city, the group has lost a total of 154lbs with the greatest individual weight loss being the two stones seven pounds lost by Kevin Penn.

Launched earlier this year, as part of 'Hull Altogether Healthier', the scheme is a free weight management service supported by two of the city's professional sports clubs - Hull City and Hull KR - and has already seen 110 people enrol on the courses. Held at The KC Stadium and Craven Park, people are encouraged to call 01482 22 45 45 or visit the city centre Fit Fans shop to book a place on a course.

The Fit Fans graduates posed at The KC Stadium where they have been attending the weekly sessions run by professional fitness trainers. The programmes focus on integrating exercise into people's daily routine either at home or outdoors, whilst giving them the chance to receive the same fitness expertise given to their sporting heroes.

Rob Ward, project manager for Fit Fans said: "I am extremely proud of the group as they have all worked really hard and made great progress - effectively losing an Andy Dawson. Everyone is eager to carry on their success and I will be working with them to develop activities that will build on their weight loss and fitness levels - even after their programme has finished.

"In just four months we have exceeded our target of getting 100 people to sign up to Fit Fans and we now hope to build on its success and encourage even more people to join in and get fit."

The Fit Fans initiative is designed primarily for men aged 40-65 who want to lose weight and requires them to join a structured 12 - week programme. The sessions are proving popular with three programmes now running across the city, whilst another three are due to start in the next few weeks.

Pete Dawson, public health manager for obesity at NHS Hull added "Eleven stone is a fantastic amount of weight to lose and I applaud them for their hard word. The 12 men who took part in the first programme will all have improved their health and hopefully be less at risk of developing illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

"Fit Fans is important as it provides people with the knowledge on how to lose weight effectively and keep the pounds off without having to dramatically change their lifestyles. The sessions are open to anyone who wants to get fitter and run on alternate nights at Craven Park and The KC Stadium. It's a free service so it really is something that is accessible for all."

Fit Fans programmes are currently running at The KC Stadium - 7.30-9pm (Mon, Wed, Fri) and Craven Park - 6.30-8pm (Tues & Thurs). For information on getting fit, becoming a Fit Fan or accessing other programmes such as Why Weight? and Active Lifestyles call 01482 22 45 45 or visit the Fit Fans Shop at 66 King Edward Street, Hull, which is open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.

[Pictured: The first fit fans graduate from Hull's new weight loss scheme under the watchful eye of (back row l-r) John Davies (Hull City Football in the Community Manager), Rob Ward (Project Manager for Fit Fans) and Peter Dawson (Project Manager for Obesity at NHS Hull).]