You can't win many competitions by losing.

But that's exactly what participants in a new community weight loss programme in Chatham are hoping for.

People on the programme, which starts this Wednesday (January 13) at 8pm, will meet every week for 12 weeks at St Paul with All Saints' Church, in Magpie Hall Road.

Each member is asked to pay £39 for the chance to win the top £300 prize for the biggest weight loser. The fee includes weight loss coaching and support, nutritional education as well as weekly prizes and rewards.

There will also be a second and third prize of £200 and £100 respectively, based on 30 people taking part. Of the fee, £19 will go towards running costs with the remainder used for the prize fund.

Throughout the 12-week course there will be confidential weekly weigh ins and measurements.

For more information on the challenge and how to sign up contact Eleanor Nicolas on 07799 162817.