Silkmen stars are helping to teach children in the area how to eat better, get in shape and avoid health problems such as obesity.

The players were joined by 33 primary school children as part of a new Healthy Kids Initiative organised by Macclesfield Town with the support of healthcare company Adelphi.

The children, aged 10 to 11, from Marlborough Primary School, Tytherington, were invited to the club's Moss Rose ground to meet the team, take part in a training session and learn what top sports men and women eat to keep in top condition.

Out go fast foods, chips and burgers and in come pasta, fresh fruit and vegetables and plenty of exercise.

The scheme was dreamed up by the club's community officers Ian Cosier and Paul McGuire and the Bollington-based medical marketing firm.

"There has been so much publicity about kids leading unhealthy lifestyles and we wanted to show that it can be fun to keep fit and to eat healthily,' said Ian, who led the children in some unusual training exercises, one of which involved counting the number of seats in the club's main stand as quickly as possible.

Adelphi director Peter Anderson said: "As a local business dealing with global healthcare issues, we were keen support a scheme with such a positive health message , especially in our own community. Part of our business is conducting market research into obesity and related diseases such as diabetes and clearly it's important for children to learn how to avoid them later in life."

Marlborough year 6 teacher Rob Dyson commented: "It's a wonderful idea, a fantastic experience for the boys and girls to meet professional players and to learn something at the same time."

Mum Kate Staniland added: "You can see from their faces just how much fun they've had, including the girls who are not necessarily into football."

Her son, Jack, 10, and his classmates agreed: "It's definitely been the best school day we've ever had," said one.

Among those signing autographs were Lee Bell, John Rooney, Matthew Tipton, Paul Bolland, Paul Morgan and Ben Wright. The scheme will continue weekly through the rest of the soccer season. Any local primary schools interested in taking part should contact the Macclesfield Town Football in the Community team at mtfc.fitc@hotmail.co.uk.

And just for the record, the number of seats in that stand is 556!