A FLAB-fighting fitness project has returned to Southampton.

ParkLives is offering more than 20 different sporting activities across 14 different parks in the city.

The scheme, which is being delivered by Active Nation and Coca Cola, is part of a £20m national scheme to encourage community sports.

Sessions will be led by locally-trained activity leaders.

David Drew, ParkLives programme manager at Southampton Active Nation, said: “Thousands of residents across Southampton will benefit from ParkLives activities again this year.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to enjoy their local parks, meet new people or spend quality time together as a family, but it also plays a serious role in helping to improve the wellbeing of people in our city.”

Parklives comes to the city after figures released last year from the Health and Social Care Information Centre put Southampton in the top ten UK cities for levels of obesity.

The scheme saw more than 5,000 participate in the event last year.

It kicks off again this week and will run through to September, with an extended programme throughout the Easter and summer holidays.

Activities on offer for for all ages and abilities include jogging, football, cricket, tennis, paddle boarding, yoga, boxercise, aerofit, orienteering, Tai Chi, canoeing and archery.

The venues taking part are Hoglands Park, Mansel Park, Riverside Park, Palmerston Park, Weston Shore, Riverside Park, Mayfield Park, Mayflower Park, East Park, Southampton Common, Southampton Sports Centre and Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre.