HE was a compulsive eater who in his mum’s words didn’t know when to stop. At nine years old, Matthew Skeen was seriously overweight and wearing clothes designed for children three years older than he was.

But a year on, his life has been transformed after his mum Pamela signed the family up to a healthy eating course. Now she is urging other parents to get involved in a government schemed aimed at improving the health of children.

Following on from last week’s Mum About Town where we reported on the launch of the new Change for Life campaign, Pamela said taking up the course has change her family’s life.

After hearing about a MEND programme that was running at River Park Leisure Centre in Winchester, Pamela, 40, from Weeke decided it was time to take action.

She said: “I was getting worried about Matthew’s weight. He always wanted more food and was asking when the next meal was. I was just being told that he would grow out of it but I was worried. Then I heard about the course and it was something we could all get involved in rather than singling Matthew out.”

As a result of the ten-week course Matthew lost almost two stone, dropping from just over seven stone to 5st 7lbs, and a year on has continued to keep the weight off.

Pamela, a mum of six, added: “It has been a great experience. We have all got involved and learned about home cooking, exercise, understanding food labels and it has been fun. We have made new friends and Matthew has taken up lots of new activities and tried new things I never thought he would.”

The MEND courses are being promoted as part of the government’s drive to improve the health of youngsters.

As reported by the Daily Echo last week, one in five children aged ten and 11 in Southampton are classed as obese while one in ten children are seriously overweight by the time they reach school age. Across Hampshire the figures show 15.9 per cent of year six children and 8.3 per cent of reception children were classed as obese.

As a result, a number of healthy eating schemes are being introduced. In Southampton a new club aimed at supporting families of children who are overweight has been launched in Thornhill.

Motiv814 is a 12-week weight management programme for eight to 14- year-olds. During the course, that is being backed by record-breaking yachtswoman Dee Caffari, advice will be given on lifestyle management, healthy eating and physical activity. Families who attend also be offered “healthy living” food hampers and sports vouchers.

For more information about taking part in the course contact Becca Stock, Thornhill Plus You, on 023 8091 5811.

For more information about MEND courses log onto mendprogramme.org.