CHILDREN have been preparing dinner for their mums and dads, and parents have been going to a school gym as a result of a pioneering project underway in Exeter.

And the ground-breaking programme has proved such a winner that it is being expanded.

City mums and dads have been given the chance to be fitter and healthier through a series of fun activities.

And now more families are to get the opportunity to learn new ways of creating healthy meals on a budget to beat the credit crunch.

St Luke's, in Whipton, was the only secondary school in the country to be chosen to host the national pilot for the scheme last term.

As Exeter's only specialist science and sports college, St Luke's worked with the city's four other secondary schools, Southbrook College, Devon County Council and Exeter PFI contractor Carillion on the new Skilled for Health programme.

Now the number of places on the programme is being expanded to 120 for the new term's activities, which begin with an introductory fair at St Luke's next Thursday at 6pm.

The free activities include cookery, yoga, dance, pilates, gym-based fitness, and life skills such as stopping smoking and first aid.

They'll take place at St Luke's every Thursday between 6pm and 8pm.

There will also be a computing course at Southbrook College between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on Thursdays.

St Luke's principal Terry Hammond said: "We're promoting adult health and learning through fun sessions and activities tailored to those taking part.

"We secured funding from the Government to pilot the Skilled for Health programme across Exeter last term.

"That enabled us to expand our Fit to Succeed and Healthy Lifestyles ethos from our young people into the adult community.

"We worked with the other secondary schools, Southbrook College and Devon County Council on designing the programme and Carillion is ensuring all our excellent facilities are available."

Families who took classes last term included Gareth and Lisa Lloyd who joined daughter Jessica, 12, in the gym. Lisa said she had lost weight while Gareth said he felt fitter and Jessica enjoyed learning how to use the equipment.

"I feel stronger, especially in the upper body, so I will be back in January," said Gareth.

Lisa said attending the classes had made the family change their lifestyle.

"We are trying new things and eating much more fruit and vegetables," she said.

"Jessica has more bounce and vigour, she's raring to go more than before. We still have our treats, but not as many."

Annette Allinson, sons Zackary, nine, and Joshua, 11, and partner John Sherratt attended every week and tried many of the recipes they learned. The boys now help prepare dinner. Annette said: "Our meals have become more healthy and we have so many new ideas."

Those on the health and fitness strand of the scheme tried rugby, football, badminton and volleyball.

Edward Mullarkey attended Skilled 4 Health with dad Mike. The Pinhoe Church of England Primary School pupil said: "It's been such fun because I love playing sport."

Devon's executive councillor for children's services, John Smith, said: "I am delighted the excellent work that St Luke's is already doing in this area was recognised nationally and I am particularly pleased that the superb school facilities are being made even more widely available to the local community."