AS A city Southampton has been losing the battle of the bulge with recent studies putting it among the fattest in the country.

But this summer there will be no excuse for residents to put off getting in shape after the city won a slice of a £20m funding pot to stage a mass-sports event.

The city’s parks are set to be taken over as Southampton stages a series of free activity sessions.

As reported yesterday, figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre based on medical records put the city in the top ten places for high levels of obesity.

Now the city council bosses have teamed up with Coca-Cola Great Britain to be part of its ParkLives scheme and hope this could lead to long-term health benefits for residents.

Southampton is one of 10 cities across the country chosen to be included in the scheme, delivered in partnership with Active Nation.

The company has committed to invest £20million in community based projects designed to get people outside and trying new things.

ParkLives will offer 20 different activities designed for all age groups and abilities These include jogging, football, cricket, tennis, family fun, paddle board yoga, boxercise, aerofit, orienteering, Tai Chi, buggy mums sessions, canoeing and archery.

Led by local trained activity leaders, activities will be happening in 11 parks and sports centres across Southampton.

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

Sessions are hosted by a trained activity leader from the local area.

The action kicks off this week and will run through to September, with an extended programme running throughout the summer holidays.

ParkLives has grown launched in 2014 with three cities, the programme will run in ten cities across the UK this year including Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Swansea.

To view the full timetable and reserve a space online visit parklives.com.

Mike Harris, service director for growth at Southampton City Council, said the sessions would build on other successful sporting events in the city, such as the ABP Southampton Half Marathon and 10K, Sky Ride and the weekly parkruns.

“As a city we’re keen to help everyone increase their wellbeing and encourage them to get out into the great outdoors,” he added.

“Delivering these easily accessible events is a great opportunity for local families to get meet new people.

“This in turn may act as a stepping stone for young people and families to engage in further activity in the future, potentially leading to a lifelong interest in leading a healthy lifestyle.”