ELLESMERE Port has received one of the biggest-ever boosts to its health services.

A lottery grant of nearly £300,000 on top of £100,000 already secured from the town's regeneration budget will pay for a healthy living centre to be opened at the Civic Hall by next September.

Its aim is to tackle higher-than-average death rates from heart disease, excess weight, smoking and alcohol problems.

The area suffers a mortality rate from common causes of death which is 14% higher than the South Cheshire health authority area as a whole.

As well as promoting good health through exercise and relaxation classes, it will offer cooking advice and a range of measures to reduce stress.

The idea has been developed by the borough in conjunction with Ellesmere Port and Neston Primary Care Group and Chester and Halton (NHS) Trust in response to requests by the community.

Consisting of a purpose-built extension, the new centre will operate as a one-stop shop for information and services as well as links to other health-related groups and activities.

The project includes provision for staff to go out into the community to work with people unable to get to the centre.

The Ellesmere Port initiative is among 10 innovative schemes that have scooped a share of the £7,495,859 total handout announced this week by the New Opportunities Fund.

Members of the community will be actively involved in managing the project.

Philip Hearfield, the council's community leisure officer, has been heavily involved in the project since day one.

He said: 'The award is great news and gives our project a huge boost. It will allow us to provide and staff an advice centre within the refurbished Civic Hall when it opens next autumn.

'We had been working on the idea for about four years. A lot of organisations have been involved and widespread consultation has taken place to make sure that this centre meets everyone's needs.'