New NHS figures released recently show that only one in five children is getting enough exercise.

Children are recommended to be active for a minimum of 60 minutes every day to stay healthy and reduce the risk of preventable illness. However, the latest figures from the Health Survey for England reveal that only 22 per cent of five - 15 year olds are achieving this.

At the same time, levels of childhood obesity remain high with 30 per cent of boys and 26 per cent of girls being obese or overweight; with this being higher for children from lower income families.

Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, wants to see the Government’s commitment in the childhood obesity strategy to ‘setting a clear target to include the number of children walking to school’ to be put into action.

Tompion Platt, Head of Policy and Communications, Living Streets said: “A generation ago, 70 per cent of us walked to school. Now it’s less than half. At the same time, levels of obesity and inactivity are on the rise. It’s not just about eating better but about moving more - and swapping the school run for a school walk is a free, accessible and excellent way to start.”

The Health Survey also reveals that 27 per cent of adults are obese, with a further 41 per cent of men and 31 per cent of women being overweight.

Tompion added:?“Walking to school not only helps children to maintain a healthy weight but it is also great for their mental wellbeing and for teaching healthy habits for life. It should be considered as one of the best options to improve our children’s health now and our nation’s health in the future.”

The Ross Gazette would be interested to hear from parents who walk their children to school, and from those who don’t. Do you find other ways of keeping your children fit and active? Also at what age do you let children walk to school on their own or with friends? Email [email protected]