UNIVERSITY students will soon be able to sign up to a unique degree course aiming to help people lose weight.

The University of Chester, which has a campus in Warrington, is to launch an MSc in weight management, the first course of its kind in the country.

Professor Kevin Sykes, director of the university's centre for exercise and nutrition science, has been instrumental in introducing the course.

He said: "The MSc in weight management is designed to provide postgraduate education and training for the increasing number of health professionals dealing with people, for whom being overweight contributes to their health problems and reduced life expectancy. It is also aimed at those aspiring to work in this field, whether as doctors and nurses, physiotherapists and dieticians or fitness centre instructors."

Super slimmer Jo Glenn, from Gorsey Lane, has backed the course.

The 38-year-old, who has lost 100 pounds, said: "The more help that is available for people, the better."