Six senior managers at the big EDF Energy call centre in Doxford, Sunderland, have pledge to lose an average of a stone-and-a-half each by the end of March.

Kevin Gatens, director of customer services at the site, said: “Before Christmas a few of us were talking and mentioned that we’d like to lose some weight and be a bit healthier in 2010 so we decided to make it a team challenge.  When you average it out we need to lose almost a stone and a half each but I’m confident I can do it.  By improving my diet and upping activity levels I’m hoping to feel the health benefits too.”

The Doxford site, which employs 1,600-plus people, has a gym, occupational health specialists and fitness instructors.  And there is a machine which monitors health indicators such as body weight, body mass index (BMI), heart rate and blood pressure. 

Pictured: Steve Hayfield (left) and Kevin Gatens