PARENTS need to take control of their children’s sugary snacking, says Public Health England (PHE).

A new campaign has launched, encouraging parents to swap treats such as chocolate and high-sugar juice drinks for healthier options.

Childhood obesity has reached an alarming rate in the South West, says the Government. Almost a third of children in Cornwall are overweight or obese when they leave primary school, according to figures released this week.

Youngsters in the South West are consuming the equivalent of seven sugar cubes a day - and half of this comes from sugary snacks and drinks, says the public health body. This can lead to obesity and illness as well as to tooth decay.

Each year, says PHE, children are eating an average of 400 biscuits, 120 cakes and buns and nearly 70 each of ice-creams and chocolate bars - all washed down with 150 juice pouches or cans of fizzy drink.

The Change4Life campaign is promoting healthier snacks such as fruit or vegetables, malt loaf and lower sugar fromage frais. And it is using the slogan ‘Look for 100 calorie snacks - two a day max’ to get the message across to parents.