A free NHS service has been launched in north Norfolk to help people who want to make changes to their lifestyle.

One-to-one confidential support is being offered to anyone wants to find out more about eating healthily, managing their weight, increasing exercise, reducing alcohol consumption or stopping smoking.

Six sessions per person are on offer, which can be taken over the course of a month or six months.

Four health trainers are now ready to help anyone living in the north Norfolk area, aged 16 or over, as part of the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Health Trainer scheme.

Aktar Deelawar, health trainer service manager, said clients must be ready to change their behaviour and the one-to-one support was key. 'You aren't sitting in a room with other people or having to share information about yourself in an arena you may feel uncomfortable with - this is a personalised service for you and it's free,' he added.

Dr Anoop Dhesi, chairman of the North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group - a new group of member doctors making decisions about healthcare in the area - said that it was a really positive step that people living in north Norfolk and rural Broadland could now access a vital service.

He added: 'We hope people take up this free opportunity and use it as a catalyst in making changes to their lifestyle.'

Those interested can either go through their GP or another health professional or self-refer by visiting www.norfolk.nhs.uk/health-trainer-service