Across the town right now, thousands of people are trying to keep resolutions. ALEX EMERY reports.

As Big Ben chimed in the start of a New Year thousands of Swindonians were on their way to a fitter, thinner, healthier and smoke-free 2004.

Good intentions sound great at the start and may feel good after a few days, but as is often the case, a few weeks down the line they fall by the wayside.

The Babylonians celebrated New Year's Day over four thousand years ago, although their celebration was in March rather than in January, coinciding with the spring planting of crops. They believed a person's actions on the first day of the New Year would have an effect throughout the next 12 months.

Nowadays New Year's Eve has become a time to reflect on the year's events, and look forward to the coming year.

Whether you are giving up bad habits or taking up new challenges, the Evening Advertiser wishes you all the best for 2004.

Andy Rickerd, 33, is promising himself that 2004 will have a continental flair.

Andy, of Arliss Close, Abbey Meads, has decided to take up French lessons so he knows his frogs' legs from his snails when he sails across the Channel.

The lead project engineer at Motorola said: "I always feel embarrassed when I go away because I can't speak the language and thought now would be a good time to change that.

"I was contemplating Spanish but I think French will be a bit easier as I have learnt it before, although I gave it up when I was about 14."

Andy said he has been looking through college websites and prospectuses to decide which course will suit him best and has opted for a course at the University of Bath in Swindon.

He said: "I've chosen a conversational course first of all and will see how I go.

"Then maybe I'll try and do a GCSE.

"I don't normally make resolutions. Most people end up breaking them after a few weeks so it seems like a waste of time.

"But I have been meaning to do this for ages. I think once I start I will stick at it. It's just a question of getting over the first hurdle."

When Christina Brown received a fitness ball for Christmas this year she didn't take it as an insult.

The project manager at Intel aims to lose a stone-and-a-half to get back down to a trim size 10.

And the 31-year-old is determined to succeed the healthy way. She has made a resolution to give up booze until she gains her ideal dress size.

Christina said: "Realistically I expect it will take me about four months to lose the weight. I don't want to do any faddy diets. Instead I'll follow a healthy eating, balanced diet over a few months.

"I have been thinking about losing weight and taking more exercise for a couple of months and the New Year is a good time to start.

"A friend has tried to talk me out of giving up alcohol as it's her 30th birthday in January, but there'll always be something in the way.

"I already walk my dog every day, but I'm planning to do something else active on top of that each day."

Christina, of John Alder Close, Chiseldon, added: "I have good, strong willpower and I'm absolutely determined to do this."

Top seven promises

Most common resolutions:

Stop smoking

Stop drinking

Get fit

Lose weight

Eat more healthily

Save money

Change jobs