Ten schools in the Braintree district have bucked a national trend after seeing a decrease in the number of overweight students.

Figures released by the National Child Measurement Programme shows the number of overweight year six pupils at primary schools taking part in the Livewell Child project has reduced by 1.2 per cent.

Those schools in the district which have not signed up to the scheme have meanwhile seen the number of overweight pupils between 2016/17 and 2017/18 increase by 1.3 per cent.

The Livewell Child project is a joint venture run by Braintree Council and county hall, aimed at increasing healthy living among youngsters in the district.

The programme, which was launched in 2016, encourages children to exercise and maintain a healthy diet.

Braintree Council's health and communities boss Peter Tattersley says the latest figures show the Livewell Child scheme is helping to make a difference.

He said: “Supporting children and families with their health is one of our key priorities.

I am pleased to hear that the Livewell Child project is making a positive difference to the children and we will continue to establish relationships with schools, parents and local businesses. Working together we can create environments to support healthy living.”

The latest data released by the National Child Measurement Programme shows one in five children start primary school overweight, and that ratio is shortened to one on three by the time they leave school aged 11.

A survey sent to all parents whose children are involved in the Livewell Child scheme say their children have increased their physical activity outside of school and are eating a healthier diet.

The project is being run on a trial basis at present, however Essex County Council's health and adult social care boss John Spence says he is impressed with the results in the Braintree area.

He added: “It is my ambition, shared by partners across the county through our Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, that we dramatically reduce the number of people of all ages who are overweight or not physically active.

"We know this will have significant life-long impacts on physical and mental wellbeing, such as dramatically reducing the risk of diabetes, and help people live independently for longer into old age.

"This pilot very clearly demonstrates that this ambition is achievable and is the first step on the way to healthier, happier lives for Essex children."