LESS than 40per cent of schools in East Anglia have achieved Healthy Schools status, according to a new report.Accreditation to the initiative, introduced by the Government to halt the increase in childhood obesity and boost the health of youngsters, is ten pc lower in the region than the national average.

LESS than 40per cent of schools in East Anglia have achieved Healthy Schools status, according to a new report.

Accreditation to the initiative, introduced by the Government to halt the increase in childhood obesity and boost the health of youngsters, is ten pc lower in the region than the national average.

The figures were contained in a report to the East of England Strategic Health Authority (SHA), which says particular challenges are being experienced by rural counties with many small schools.

It adds that while Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Luton and Norfolk are performing well, Suffolk continues to be a concern.

By 2009, the Government wants every school to be working towards achieving national Healthy Schools status with

guidelines including offering nutritious and healthy food at meal times, as well as providing a minimum of two hours of physical activity every week and encouraging pupils, parents and staff to walk or cycle to school.

A spokesman for Suffolk County Council said: “We are working very hard with schools to try to encourage a culture of healthy eating among children and young people.

“There are signs that it's beginning to have an affect and we will continue the process to try to turn things around for the better.”