Hundreds join University of Birmingham obesity trial

Hundreds of school children in the West Midlands are taking part in a pilot project that aims to cut childhood obesity levels.

The University of Birmingham is leading the three-year trial, monitoring a total of 54 schools across the country.

Among them is Victoria Community School in Burton-upon-Trent, where the primary pupils take part in exercises every day.

Teacher Sheryl Turner said the exercises were popular and helped to make children more alert before lessons.

Prof Peymane Adab at the University of Birmingham, said it was important to monitor childhood obesity as there were close links to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers developing in later life.

Lillington Nursery and Primary School in Leamington Spa is also taking part in the study and Emma Lancashire, trial co-ordinator, said they were closely monitoring children's weight and other measurements.

Tracey O'Mahoney, one of the parents, said she had learned a lot from the trial, including what foods to avoid.