The BBC Big Challenge is a two-year campaign aimed at encouraging people to take small steps to lead a healthier and fitter lifestyle. Last year, the focus was on health in the home - Fat Nation. This year, the focus is the Health Works Awards promoting health and fitness in the workplace. Over the next six months the BBC will be scouring the country to find the UK's healthiest employers. There are regional and UK Awards up for grabs. The categories are: • Healthiest Small Employer (Up to 49 employees) • Healthiest Medium-Sized Employer (50-249 employees) • Healthiest Largest Employer (250+ employees) • Most Improved Employer (For employers who make health a priority for the first time in 2005) • Unsung Hero (For people who have motivated colleagues to take steps to lead healthier, fitter lives) The local winners will then be put forward for the UK Awards final in January. The closing date for applications is Friday December 2, however, for maximum publicity employers are strongly advised to get their applications in early. Any interesting or unusual stories could be featured on BBC 2's Working Lunch and/or other BBC programmes and outlets. It couldn't be easier to apply; for a free information pack, either telephone 08700 100150 or log onto the website at: bbc.co.uk/bigchallenge where you can also receive a free six-week diet and exercise programme, plus many other top tips to help lead a happier, healthier and fitter lifestyle. The judges include former athletes and all-time British sporting greats Colin Jackson and Sally Gunnell. Judges from the business world are Digby Jones, chief executive of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI); Frances O'Grady, deputy general secretary, Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Ruth Spellman, chief executive, Investors In People (IIP). What will employers and employees get from the Awards? Local winners will receive a Big Challenge Health Works Awards trophy and publicity for their good practice. There are more than 40 weekend spa breaks available as prizes. Each local winner of the Unsung Hero award will win one of these weekend spa breaks for two at a health spa anywhere in the UK. All national winners will receive a visit from BBC 2's Working Lunch team. They will all receive Big Challenge Health Works Awards trophies. The Big Challenge has potential for a great deal of fun as the goals are achievable.