A SPECIAL course will help parents develop good eating habits and activity levels for their toddlers.

NHS Bolton, the local primary care trust which oversees health services, is running the Happy Healthy Toddler Club.

There are places available on the sixweek programme for parents with children between one and four years old. It aims to get them and their youngsters involved in fun energetic activities and eating healthy snacks.

Then, while the toddlers are cared for, parents can talk about any issues they have, such as dealing with fussy eaters and understanding portion size.

The initiative supports the national Change4Life campaign, which encourages families to eat well, move more and live longer.

Lizzie Ashworth, food and health adviser, said: “It is really important to establish healthy eating and activity habits while children are young as this will help ensure that they grow up to be happy and healthy adults later in life.

“Through the scheme, we will encourage each family to share the issues affecting them and, as a group, support each other to develop solutions and overcome problems.”

The programme starts on the afternoon of March 3 at Great Lever Children’s Centre.

For more information and to apply phone 01204 462694 or contact your local children’s centre.