A FOOTBALL league in Bolton is helping men to lose weight with encouraging results.

MANvFAT runs leagues in towns and cities across Britain, with the main aim being to help its members to get fit.

The project, which is funded by Sport England and The National Lottery, came to Bolton last September - with league matches taking place on Wednesday evenings at St Catherine’s Academy.

Nik Bryant, 34, a photographer from Bromley Cross, joined up last year in an effort to get fitter for his young son.

He said: “I weighed myself on Christmas Day and I was 21 stone. With the help of the football, I’m now under 20 stone for the first time in five years. It’s very much mixed-ability and we all support each other on and off the pitch.”

Members undertake regular weigh-ins before each match and are given diet plans to help them succeed in their weight-loss journeys.

After the inaugural season, the 40 members lost a total of 300 kg combined - an average of 7.5kg each.

Rick Winnard, who lost eight kilos in 14 weeks, said: “I put myself well out of my comfort zone and joined Man v Fat Bolton with guys I didn’t know and had never met before. I was really hesitant to join at the start and didn’t know if it would be for me.

“There’s still a long way to go but I’ve loved every minute and made some great, lifelong mates along the way so it’s onward and upward from here.

“If you’re new to this, I can’t recommend it highly enough. I’ve got far more out of it than I ever thought possible.”

Rick also won the clubman of the season award for his progress.

Craig Hardman, who captains one team, Olympique Mayonnaise, said: “Man v Fat is a great way to meet like-minded men who have previously tried diets and gyms previously but hasn’t always worked out. It’s much harder doing this on your own without the motivation of being in a team.

“Football is secondary, but supports that team environment and drives people to want to succeed in reaching their weight goals on and off the pitch. It’s been amazing for improving health, fitness, general wellbeing and mental health.”