STAFF at a print and design company have set themselves a challenge to shed 200lbs between them and help foodbank users eat more healthily.

The group of workers at Jak in Darlington have been embracing healthy eating, exercising and using weight loss products in an effort to meet their personal weight loss goals, with weekly weigh-ins keeping them on track during the 90-day challenge.

Alongside their own efforts they are also making weekly contributions of healthy goods to foodbanks across County Durham; with the first recipient being the Food Store run by the King’s Church in Darlington.

They decided to donate because team members have previously struggled to eat healthily and make good food choices due to various personal circumstances, so they are keen to help those most in need in their area.

Andrew Knowles, who co-owns the business with his father John, came up with the team challenge idea.

He said: “The main reason for most of the team signing up was a desire to become healthier and fitter for their children and as a family business this is obviously something we want to encourage and get behind.

“The challenge seemed like a great way of making weight loss and fitness more fun and taking it on as a team has meant we can motivate each other and engage in a bit of ‘healthy’ competition.”