A PIONEERING project designed to banish blubber has proved so popular at Bishopstoke's Stoke Park Junior School that people are queuing up to join.

Catering staff have launched an after-school Cook and Eat course for pupils and their parents aimed at encouraging balanced diets and reducing obesity.

Every Monday after school for six weeks, parents and pupils will learn the importance of a balanced diet, basic cookery techniques, food budgeting, menu-planning, food safety and hygiene and how to source local food.

Certificates will be presented to those who complete the course, which has proved so popular that the 20 available places were soon over-subscribed. A waiting list has been set up for future courses.

The Eastleigh initiative - backed by lottery cash - was launched in response to concerns that the UK is facing an obesity "epidemic".

The government's Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, described the problem as a "ticking time bomb" for the NHS and the UK economy.

Of particular concern are the increasing numbers of children and young people who are clinically obese.

Executive Eastleigh councillor Peter Wall said: "By providing hands-on cooking opportunities in schools we hope to encourage enthusiasm for food preparation and cultivate an appreciation of healthy food among children and adults."

He acknowledged support provided for the project by the National Lottery as part of the Healthy Living project, HC3S, Hampshire Fare, Eastleigh and Test Valley South Primary Care Trust, Winchester and Eastleigh Health Care Trust, South Hampshire Food Forum, Hampshire County Council and Sunnyfields Organic Farm.

"They have all contributed by providing funding, expertise, equipment, uniforms or local produce to help make this innovative project a success," he said.

With the pilot project proving so successful, efforts will be made to secure additional funding to allow Cook and Eat courses for parents or carers and pupils to be run at other schools in the borough.