A NETWORK of GP surgeries in the Halstead area is banding together to launch a new weight loss programme after a trial saw residents lose a tonne between them. The Colne Valley Primary Care Network, which is made up of several GP surgeries in mid Essex, has launched a free low-carb weight loss programme to help people shed the pounds. Surgeries involved include Pump House in Earls Colne, Coggeshall and Elizabeth Courtauld Surgeries, plus Freshwell Health Centre, Hedingham Medical Centre and Kelvedon and Feering Health Centre. The programme is available to people registered with the surgeries and is designed for people with a body mass index of at least 25 who are looking to lose weight.