Public health minister Melanie Johnson

Ministers have put in place a new scheme designed to tackle the epidemic of obesity in children.

A £2 million drive to tackle the problem in England was unveiled by public health minister Melanie Johnson on Monday.

A crackdown on fatty foods in tuck shops and vending machines in 500 schools is at the centre of the strategy, with concern rising at the growing number of overweight children.

Nutrition education programmes will also be increased alongside a drive to improve children's water supply quality.

One in 12 children is already obese by the age of six according to the most recent official figures.

Ministers are concerned that the early onset of obesity will lead to a rise in the number of heart disease and diabetes cases in later life.

Johnson said it was "vital" to get to grips with the problem now as it is already responsible for 31,000 deaths a year.

"Children who are overweight or obese face greater risks of developing serious illness later in life, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer," she argued.

"We said we'd help children to eat more healthily and through programmes like the £44 million National School Fruit Scheme nearly one million four to six-year-olds are now receiving a free piece of fruit each school day.

"This new drive builds further on these commitments."