THE DIRECTOR of a Huddersfield-based charity, which aims to combat child obesity, is off to the US to see how Americans deal with the problem.
Patricia Sadio has been announced as one of the recipients of a prestigious award.
Ms Sadio, of Combating Obesity Ltd, known as Cobwebs, has received a Winston Churchchill Memorial Trust fellowship.
The fellowship, given to British citizens to widen their experience and skills abroad, will enable her to travel to America to visit Yale University's Rudd Centre.
The six-week trip in May and June will involve researching community schemes for combating obesity.
Ms Sadio said she was delighted to have received the award.
She added: "The trip will involve identifying community initiatives that are proving useful and effective on the ground, which is where Cobwebs focuses it's work."
She will give talks about her trip on her return.
Cobwebs, based at Titanic Mill, Linthwaite, was set up five years ago to deal with the emotional issues experienced by obese children.
It focuses not on weight loss but on building up the young people's self-esteem and helping with issues such as bullying or loneliness.
Cobwebs also runs workshops about child obesity for health, social and youth workers and school staff.
The Churchill fellowships enable men and women from all walks of life to acquire knowledge and experience abroad.
They help people to gain a better understanding of the lives and different cultures of people overseas. It improves their effectiveness at work and their contribution to their community on their return.
For information about the group visit www.combatingobesity.org.uk
