ALMOST a third of children in their last year of primary school in Somerset are obese or overweight, according to new data.

National Child Measurement Programme figures show that in Somerset 23.5% of children start school either overweight or obese and in their last year of school, this increases to 30.9%.

This is higher than the average for England. Nationally, 14.4% of pupils are overweight when they leave school and 19.1% are obese by this time.

Public Health England has launched a Change4Life campaign to encourage parents to cut down the amount of sugar children eat by making simple swaps.

It says eating and drinking too much sugar means extra calories, causing fat to build up in the body which can lead to heart disease, some cancers or type 2 diabetes.

But schools say they are doing all they can to help tackle the problem.

Nigel Bright, head teacher at Holy Trinity Primary School in Taunton, said his school encourages children to be as active as possible.

“We do a lot of sports, not just as part of school time but also outside of school in clubs,” he said.

“We have a whole range of sports including a cheerleading club which is very popular, especially for those who aren’t interested in the more traditional clubs, which encourages them all to get involved.

“The children learn a lot about healthy eating as part of the curriculum, including how they can look after themselves.”

Russ Moody, health and wellbeing programme lead for the Devon, Cornwall and Somerset PHE Centre added: “Reducing sugar intake is important for the health of our children both now and in the future.

“This campaign is about taking small steps to address this. We know from past campaigns that making simple swaps works and makes a real difference.”

Families can register for free Sugar Swap packs which they will receive through the post.

The packs are filled with hints, tips and recipe suggestions designed to help cut down the sugary foods and drinks, plus money-off vouchers, swap cards and stickers.

To sign up, go on-line, search Change4Life and register.