Sign up for a lighter life with Telegraph Slimmers

GET on line and get in shape!

Today, we launch our very own diet and fitness programme, Telegraph Slimmers.

It is an exciting new service from us, your Community Newspaper of The Year, to you, our readers, to help you to win your battle with the bulge.

The website will go live on January 1 - the perfect time to do something about those new year's resolutions that usually fall by the wayside by January 3.

It's free to register for the first three months, and there are five individually-tailored diets to suit five very different lifestyles.

We have signed up a dedicated slimmer to each of the five categories, who will be your mentor on your journey to a healthier life.

You can follow their progress on line 24/7 and in the Grimsby Telegraph every Tuesday.

The site itself will be packed with food data, tips, forums and everything you need to keep you moving towards your goal.

In today's Grimsby Telegraph, we reveal that the cost of bulging waistlines is putting a huge strain on the local NHS – costing North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus a massive £45.2-million last year. The bill is expected to weigh in at an even heftier £50-million by 2015.

Slimmers Debbie Elder, Jayne Smith, Debbie Crookes and Lisa Howard celebrate losing weight. Now you can follow their example by following our new plan.

So what better time to join Telegraph Slimmers?

Debbie Crookes (46) lost 104lb a decade ago, and knows just how rewarding shedding those stubborn pounds can be.

Debbie, from Rothwell, near Caistor, said: "Everyone has a turning point, and mine was one day when I was running up the stairs after my daughter.

"I was extremely out of breath, and I realised she was only going to get bigger and I would someday be unable to keep up with her."

Debbie joined Weightwatchers and later returned to become a leader, along with Debbie Elder, Jayne Smith and Lisa Howard, in the hope of helping others to achieve her huge weight loss.

She believes education and leading by example are crucial factors in tackling the obesity crisis.

"I personally believe that I have a fitter family now because I myself am following a healthier eating plan.

"I'm automatically doing it, and therefore I'm passing my habits on."

In today's Grimsby Telegraph, we speak to busy mum Paula Crag, who has shed 103lbs in two years to drastically change her life, and we also explain each of the five diet plans - Busy Bee, Family Friendly, Socialite, Just Me, and My Way.

Visit www.telegraphslimmers.co.uk from January 1 to register - and good luck!