PARENTS from deprived areas will be given advice on how to feed their children more fruit and vegetables.

The Top Tips for Mums initiative has been launched by public health minister Caroline Flint as part of the Government's Healthy Living programme The scheme, part of a drive to tackle obesity, has been welcomed by health bosses in Bolton, where a host of initiatives have been implemented to encourage young people to eat more healthily.

Julie Holt, the local health service strategy co-ordinator for Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "We recognise it's really important to establish good patterns of nutrition and exercise early in life, so Caroline Flint's announcement of new national support in this area is very welcome.

"In Bolton we have a range of ways in which the PCT supports and encourages families to choose healthy lifestyles. For example, there's an active five-a-day programme, involving everything from cookery clubs to delivery schemes, the food and health team work closely with Sure Start to reach families with small children, and the Healthy Schools team work alongside schools to reach older children."

Under the new scheme, young families from low income backgrounds with children aged between two and 11 will be targeted by the scheme.

Parents are being encouraged to share tips and ideas with each on the www.5aday.nhs.uk website.

In Bolton just over 25 per cent of four and five year olds and almost 30 per cent of 10 and 11 year olds are classed as overweight or obese.

Overweight youngsters run an increased risk of developing type two diabetes - normally only found in the over 40s - by their teenage years, along with heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.