Their fat chance

The major new series on BBC1 marks the launch of a two-year campaign of the same name. While the television programme is focusing on an average street in Birmingham, other people throughout the country are being encouraged to improve their diet and fitness.

Frances Bowen, who works as a housing officer in Bournemouth, answered a BBC Radio Solent appeal for a family willing to take part publicly in the UK-wide campaign.

"I made the call ages ago and then forgot all about it and I didn't even tell anyone else," said Frances, 56, who has two grown-up children and two grandchildren.

"Luckily they're all up for it and I'm determined to do something because I think I've tried every diet going: low fat, low carb,... I tried the Atkins diet extremely successful, but there's only so long you can do it and when I came off it, the weight piled on again."

Frances, of Ringwood, wants to lose two stone, as does her 31-year-old daughter Sarah, who also lives in the town. Sarah hopes to influence her husband and children Finlay, three, and 16-week-old baby Lydia to a healthier lifestyle.

"I've got a fair bit of baby fat to lose," said Sarah. "Most of my exercises are designed around one of those huge exercise balls. The last time I used one was when I was in labour, so I had a few nightmares when I first saw it."

Sarah, who is on maternity leave from her IT job at Barclays in Poole, admits she is already more aware of what she is eating. She has stocked up on sugar snap peas for those moments when boredom might previously have driven her to the biscuit tin.

She is also looking forward to finding out how to combat pester power in the supermarket.

"In a week or two's time, the nutritionist is coming with us on our weekly shop at Asda Castlepoint and I'll have to take both the children with me. It's really difficult to be firm when you've got someone whinging that they want crisps and biscuits."

Frances' 57-year-old husband Chris hopes to shed around 20lbs. He is a retired police officer who now teaches motorcycling and enjoys golf.

The couple's son Gareth, 28, of Verwood, recently left his job as executive head chef at the Dormy Hotel and is busy with preparations for opening his new restaurant, Brookleys in Brockenhurst, on November 27.

"As far as my diet goes, it's very difficult with the hours I do. Working with food all day, you don't tend to get hungry until you go home," he said.

Gareth names his twin downfalls as beer and cheese and is hoping to lose about 21lbs.

"I've been given a skipping rope, but I'm 6ft 5ins and skipping is not really my bag, to be honest," he confessed. "I think we've all been stitched up by my mother."

Finally, Frances' 80-year-old mother Gwen Neale plans to pitch in from her sheltered accommodation in Fratton, Portsmouth.

The family, in common with others all over the country, is being set tasks involving everything from healthy eating to salsa dancing. They are making regular appearances on Radio Solent's breakfast programme to report their progress.

Presenter Julian Clegg explained: "We've set up Frances and Chris with a 'hot box' unit at their home so they are able to broadcast directly into Solent from their kitchen.

"They're such a fun family we're all looking forward to seeing how they manage - and of course we hope to inspire many other listeners to get involved."

For more information on how to take part in the campaign, go to www.bbc.co.uk/big challenge. The official book to go with the series, Fat Nation - the Big Challenge, is published by Dorling Kindersley at £12.99.