The determination of over 100 people who are living fitter, healthier lives has been recognised at an awards ceremony hosted by Fit Active Buddies (FAB), a Sport England funded project in Leicester.

The scheme was set up in 2003 to provide individual help for people wanting to change their lives but who needed support to do it. So far it has helped more than 800 people back on the road to health and confidence.

The scheme runs three groups - the men-only Calorie Killers group, Fitchicks for women and TLC, the teenage lifestyle club for young people. It is supported by organisations such as Leicester City Council, Leicester City Primary Care Trust and Sport England.

Leona Shepherd, a mentor and one of the original team members, said: "Fab works because people believe in it and what it has to offer".

Fab has made a new man of 41-year-old Dave Bromwich. He stepped proudly on to the stage to receive a "medication to health" award - a major achievement for someone who needed to use crutches.

Mr Bromwich has been in constant pain for 10 years after suffering two slipped discs and trapped nerves after heavy lifting at a yarn factory. He was bedridden for months and at his wits' end.

It was then he heard about Fab's Calorie Killers group and decided to "give it a go" earlier this year. Mr Bromwich said: "I had to have two walking sticks to get around and didn't want to end up in a wheelchair."

In just over a month, with help and encouragement, he has built up his fitness enough to throw away his sticks.

He said: "It is the first time I have ever won anything and it is a tremendous feeling."

Mr Bromwich said: "I now regularly do about 25 minutes on a treadmill and will never give up going to Calorie Killers - it has helped me so much."

The Fab project which originally started in Braunstone has now been extended to the New Parks and Beaumont Leys areas of Leicester. Its aim is to help people get fitter and live healthier lifestyles.

It is making dreams come true for Dawn Cropper, from Braunstone, who received the "look how far they have come" award. Her big ambition is to run the London Marathon but she did not know how to go about getting fit or how to enter.

She said: "I heard about Fab a few years ago and decided to ask for help. I now run regularly. This year I did the Three Peaks Challenge and am hoping to make it into the 2008 marathon."

The Programme has also helped Dawn, 36, gain educational qualifications, including coaching and teaching skills. Now trained as an aerobics instructor, she is hoping to start her own business.

Other award winners included Most dedicated award to Susan Grogan, Fab volunteer went to Emma Pemberton; Fab way of learning went to Marlie Beighton; and Fab fit family went to the Buncher family. Fab achiever went to Gary Buncher.