It was famously said that football was more important than life and death. For Rangers fan George Sanderson they go together.

He is one of a number of supporters who owe their improving health to a pioneering scheme run with the backing of the Old Firm rivals Rangers and Celtic.

For many years, the 59-year-old season ticket-holder at Ibrox would break up the stresses of his successful career in security management with a greasy treat from a burger van. At night, he confesses, he would rarely leave the couch after enjoying a large, home-cooked meal.

Last year, at a time when he weighed 20 stones, he had a heart attack - and it was time to rethink how he lived.

It was after this experience that Mr Sanderson was approached by Rangers and asked if he would like to take part in a pioneering health project led by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) in conjunction with both Rangers and Celtic.

The idea was to reach out to men aged between 40 and 60, typically difficult to get to a GP but who are most likely to have dangerous levels of blood pressure, cholesterol and weight.

Why would the college want to run it with Rangers and Celtic? Because if there is one thing that would get these men interested in their health, it would be football.

Around 40 men took part in the project, and over 10 weeks they trained with the same coaches who train their favourite players and jogged around the hallowed pitches which had been the scenes of so many sporting dramas.

In the classroom the men would be lectured on all aspects of health, from dental care to diet, alcohol and drugs - and the odd football hero would maybe even drop in to give a pep talk to the team.

The results of the programme are impressive. Each man lost on average one stone in weight. Across the group, blood pressure dropped by 7% and cholesterol levels by 10%.

Dr Adrian Brady, consultant cardiologist at the RCPSG, led the project. He described the results yesterday as "thunderous" and said the programme - the "most exciting" of his 22-year medical career - could help save thousands of lives every year across Scotland.

Mr Sanderson is also feeling upbeat about his involvement. He said: "This project was the wake-up call I needed. The camaraderie within our group was amazing and we've really encouraged and supported each other through the programme.

"We were complete strangers 10 weeks ago but have become really good friends and an inspiration to each other. I feel like I am back on track.

"It was a privilege to take part, to work down at Ibrox with the team and the support of the college has been fantastic."

Celtic fan John Hamilton, 47, of Torrance, said the club's involvement in the health project got him interested.

He said: "As soon as I got there (Celtic Park) I realised how much the club had dedicated itself to doing this. I was sitting in the board room with my heroes, like Tommy Boyd and Chris Killen, and I said to myself, Right, if they are going to invest in me like this, I am going to go for it'.

"The big difference for me was going to the dietician. I used to eat curries every night and go through a big bar of chocolate no problem.

"I loved the training, too. When I put on the full strip for for the first time in years, it felt like Christmas."

Alan Boyd, community football coach for Rangers FC, said that the involvement of both clubs had the required pulling power to keep the men interested.

"It was a big challenge for a lot of these men to come down on the first day, to get going, but coming to the club made it a little easier. To start with, we would just get them walking around the pitch at Ibrox and that gives them a special feeling, gives them that feeling of being involved with Rangers."

Michael O'Halleron, who co-ordinated the project at Celtic, agreed that the club's involvement gave the programme the required potency.

"The club was the massive hook to get them through the door and then bring them into an area which has been sacrosanct to them," he said.

"We kicked off at 3pm every Friday, but you could guarantee that they would be there half an hour early. They would come to the pitchside via the tunnel and would just love the atmosphere. They were proud to be there."

All 40 men who took part in the programme were invited to the Royal College yesterday to receive a certificate and enjoy a celebration of their achievements.

Tommy Kilday, 52, ...of Cumbernauld, lost six kilos in 10 weeks and has since cut salt from his diet.

"See even walking up the stairs at Celtic Park now, it's a total doddle," he said.