THE mayor of Worcester has proved he is fighting fit after a series of tests to help campaign for a healthier city.

Councillor Roger Berry was given a clean bill of health after checks by health trainers at Worcester Guildhall on Thursday. Coun Berry had his body mass index, blood pressure and peak flow tested as part of a scheme to improve the health of Worcester City Council staff and councillors.

Coun Berry said he was surprised to learn half of the county was now overweight.

The mayor, who does not smoke but is on statins for cholesterol, said: “I was pleased to have been given a clean bill of health – although like most of the population, I could do with a little more exercise and a bit less food.”

Last year the 67-year-old lost weight on the advice of his GP and gave up cheese, which helped him shed the pounds. He also joined the University of the Third Age walking group which runs walks in and around Worcester.

His wife Jill said that given the many mayoral engagements they both attended it was not always possible to cook “a proper meal”. She said: “You often need to grab things to fulfil your hunger.”

The tests have also been offered to council staff at the Sixways depot, Astwood Cemetery, Orchard House and the Guildhall. More than 70 people had the tests carried out by health trainers from the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS trust.

Donna Stokes, of the British Heart Foundation, was at the Guildhall to give advice after Worcester was declared a Heart City last year, which means a focus on stopping smoking, healthy eating and regular exercise.

She said: “There is a strong link between obesity and heart disease.”