Determined Dozen

But they have taken the most important step the first one and committed themselves to spending the next six months working on their health and fitness.

During that time a dozen of them will visit Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre at least once a week for exercise sessions in the gym, with a similar group attending Arun Leisure Centre, Felpham.

They may be different sizes, shapes, ages and have varying levels of fitness, but all are united in the common goal of improvement, whether shedding pounds, trimming the spare tyre or building up stamina.

The initiative was launched by Arun District Council on Friday during Men's Health Week, a new nationwide drive to raise awareness of men's health issues.

Research has shown that, while women readily seek medical help and advice over health problems, and find it easy to discuss them with their friends, men are reluctant to visit their GP, especially for preventive health checks, and bottle up problems.

Jasmine Richardson, a fitness instructor at the Littlehampton centre, who will be taking charge of the group of volunteers there, said the emphasis would be on getting wives, girlfriends and partners to encourage their men to work at their health and fitness.

Each man has been assessed in areas such as stamina, strength and flexibility at the beginning and given an individual programme and targets by Jasmine to work towards.

"Some people need to lose weight, but there are issues for slim people, too, who might have a lack of fitness. The beauty of something like this is that it is easier to work with someone else than on your own.

"You need someone to push you and give you a little word of encouragement and when people start to see their progress, success will breed success."

The volunteers come from all walks of life. Some are Arun employees, others are members of the public. They include Arun councillor for Rustington North, John Richards, who has just become leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council.

"At 58, I feel the need to become fitter. I had been seriously thinking about it last year, then this opportunity came along.

"The last proper exercise I had was playing cricket about 15 years ago, so I'm coming here to regain my lost youth!"