A FAMILY on a mission to get healthy and cut its food budget has taken the first step to a healthier lifestyle.

The Redmans, from Blaenavon, have taken the challenge to tackle obesity in Torfaen by signing up for the Garnsychan Partnership's Vegetable Box Scheme.

The Argus will follow the family's progress to monitor how much cash they save and how their health improves.

The scheme was launched after it was revealed a staggering 57 per cent of adults in Torfaen were either obese or overweight.

It is hoped the Veg Box project will slash this figure in some of the poorest communities by delivering low-cost fruit and vegetables.

The scheme was launched last week in Trevethin and Garndiffaith with dozens of people queuing to take advantage of the offer.

Many families blamed lack of cash and no transport for not eating properly.

Mum Anne, 37, and dad Daryl, 38, both work full time and have little time for food shopping.

They try to give children Lewis, 13, and Kellie-Anne, 11, a balanced diet but the couple admit to snacking on crisps and chocolate instead of fruit.

Mrs Redman joined a slimming class last year and has lost three- and-a-half stone. She hopes the scheme will help her shed more.

"When I heard about the scheme I called up straight away because I thought it was a brilliant idea," she said.

"We try to eat healthily but it's not always possible."

She said it was "easy" to cook burgers and sausages.

Mr Redman said: "We don't eat enough fruit. The biggest problem is that in between meals we go for crisps, cakes, chocolate and biscuits as snacks. We would buy multipacks of crisps and go through a bag of 24 in three days."

Kellie-Anne said: "I am looking forward to eating more fruit and salad, especially carrots because they are my favourite."

The family will have fresh fruit and veg delivered to their door every week from the Garnsychan Partnership.