Patrick White

Even though winter seems far away, coach companies are being urged to book early for the Lincoln Christmas market.

Interest is increasing steadily and around 160 coaches have already booked to come to the market. The event will run from December 1 to 4.

Organised by the City of Lincoln Council, the market has added for the first time an online booking system on the Christmas Market website for coach operators.

Last year, the market was cancelled due to the heavy weather which engulfed the whole of Lincolnshire.

Becky Fawcett, Events Officer at the City of Lincoln Council, which organises the event, said: “Around 600 coaches usually flock to the Lincoln Christmas Market over the four days, bringing visitors from as far away as Wokingham and Darlington.

“There are some significant changes for coach companies booking to attend this year’s event, as we’ve brought the administration in-house. This makes the system much more efficient and giving us the chance to offer more.

“Coach companies have the chance to buy the Lincoln Christmas Market brochure in advance at a reduced price, so they can offer it to their passengers as part of the trip.

“The new brochure will include information about stalls, entertainment and a colour coded map of the market – another new addition for 2011.”

Lincolnshire families and children are being offered a free course to lose weight.

The 12-week course called Fit Kids is aimed to help 8 to 11-year olds lead healthier lives and will be funded by NHS Lincolnshire.

Lincoln teens are amongst the most overweight in the country and one NHS study found that one in five 11-year-olds are officially obese.

Over 500 children have taken part in the programme since it started last year, and there are 150 free Fit Kids places on offer when it begins again in September.

Family support is essential, so a parent or adult must attend some of the sessions with the children.

Sarah Ferneyhough, Project Manager from Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, said: “Parents can easily over-estimate how active their children are, and portion sizes are often too big.

“The number of overweight children is rising in Lincolnshire, and is above the England average.

“We are fortunate to be able to offer Fit Kids, and the evaluation shows it really does work. Since Fit Kids started last year we have found that children gain confidence and always enjoy the activities.

“The focus of the sessions is absolutely on fun and learning through play and interaction.

“With a better understanding of healthy living as well as taking part in fun games, Fit Kids have a long and lasting impact on the families, and the changes are incredible.”

Courses will take place twice weekly in Lincoln and across the county from September to December 2011.

Photo: Lisa Clarke