BRIDGWATER College has become the lead education partner in a project to get people living healthy lifestyles through dance.

The Change4Life project is a nationwide movement funded by the NHS to reverse the rising tide of obesity in the UK.

NHS South West is working with the college and Sedgemoor District Council to promote projects which encourage families to "eat well, move more and live longer".

The college was chosen to work with five primary schools to engage children, teachers, parents and the community in active healthy lifestyles through dance.

The project was launched at St Mary's Primary School in Bridgwater, where nearly 150 Year 5 and 6 pupils and their teachers enjoyed a display of African gumboot-style dancing by the students.

The dance project takes place in the autumn term and will culminate in an outdoor performance in Blake Gardens in Bridgwater on Saturday, October 16, from noon to 2pm.

Project co-ordinator Lauren Balloch said: "The performance is for everyone to see what the primary schoolchildren have been learning and also a chance for them to join in."