The Humber NHS Foundation Trust has announced that a health scheme aimed at fishermen in East Yorkshire will be extended along the east coast.
Under the scheme, an NHS health trainer visits fishermen in Bridlington three times a week, carries out medical checks and addresses any health issues the men may have.
It was launched last year after it was found that many fishermen lead unhealthy lifestyles because of their labour-intensive jobs, with heavy smoking, alcohol misuse, stress, poor diets and depression among the biggest problems.
More than 70 men have used the scheme so far, and it will now be extended to Hornsea and Withernsea after it received £37,000 in funding.
Most of the fishermen in Bridlington said they find it difficult to make an appointment with a doctor because of the hazardous and demanding nature of their jobs.
The Humber NHS Foundation Trust said it hopes to reach 250 fishermen in East Yorkshire by 2013.
Copyright Press Association 2012