THE number of families signing up to a campaign which helps people swap sugary treats for healthier snacks has almost tripled in 12 months.

This year, the number of Worcestershire people who signed up to the Change4Life Sugar Swaps campaign increased by over 170 per cent.

In 2014, 1,254 signed up to the campaign while in 2015 it increased substantially to almost 3,400 people.

Worcestershire County Council's Health and Well-being team have been working closely with the national campaign which helps families to eat well, move more and live longer.

This year, the focus has been to help families cut back on sugar at key points during the day.

Frances Howie, the county council's head of Public Health, said: "I am delighted to see this dramatic increase in Worcestershire's interest in Change4Life's Sugar Swaps.

"I am glad that our use of a mixture of national and local messages have resonated so well with people.

"We face major challenges in this county in tackling the rising tide of obesity, and the avoidable ill-health that it causes.

"It is great to see so many people making this good start by taking steps along the way to a healthier diet, and taking personal responsibility and action to make healthy changes."

To sign up, visit change4life.co.uk.