SCHOOLS in Basingstoke are to take part in a new Government scheme launched to teach children and parents about the benefits of a healthy lunch.

The Healthy Lunchbox scheme, which aims to make packed lunches more interesting, varied, cost-effective and healthy, has been taken on by more than 120 schools in the region.

Merton Infant School, in Popley, and Castle Hill Junior School, in Winklebury, are among local schools taking part. Dr Mike Gill, regional director of public health, said: "The scheme is aimed to teach people the benefits of a healthy lunch.

"Obesity is a growing problem among children in the country, A balanced diet and regular exercise can vastly reduce the risk of heart problems in later life."

Lynn Clement, headteacher at Merton Infant School, said: "For the autumn, what we are planning on doing is holding parent and child workshops. We need to get across to children the need to have a balanced diet."

The scheme comes after a recent Food Standards Agency survey found that nine out of 10 children are taking to school food that contains too much sugar, salt and saturated fat.

In addition, figures show that one in seven 15-year-olds and one in 12 six-year-olds are obese.