SCHOOLS have my sympathy on the junk food dilemma. Vending machines mean much-needed revenue for them.

Yet, obesity levels in children are appalling.

Now, with the latest news that one in 12 children will be obese by the age of six, some schools are considering taking out machines selling sweets, chocs and sugary drinks in favour of bottled water and fruit juice.

Unfortunately for schools' budgets, this is probably a step in the right direction. But, the real responsibility for children's diet still lies firmly at home with parents. And the reality is that fewer parents now actually cook for their children at all, or force them to take exercise.

The resulting inactivity and takeaway diet, supplemented by crisps and sweets, are the main reasons for our overweight kids.

Perhaps the way forward is to prosecute parents for "dietary neglect". That way, they might be forced to feed their offspring properly, and children's health will thrive.