Health chiefs are encouraging families in Wolverhampton to help children reduce their sugar intake by choosing healthier snacks.

It comes as new data shows youngsters in England are eating nearly three times the recommended amount of sugar.

Half the sugar children and young people consume comes from snacks and sugary drinks, and too much can cause serious health problems, painful tooth decay and harmful fats building up inside the body.

To help people reduce the amount of sugar their children are consuming and choose healthier snacks while shopping, Public Health England’s Change4Life campaign has this week unveiled a simple mantra: "Look for 100 calorie snacks, two a day max!".

Parents can sign up to the Change4Life website – www.nhs.uk/change4life – to receive money-off vouchers for healthier snacks and helpful tips, while primary school age children will receive a leaflet over the next few weeks packed with healthier snacking ideas and fun activities.

An updated Change4Life Food Scanner app is also being launched, bringing labels to life and showing just how much sugar, salt and saturated fat is inside everyday snacks, foods and drinks. It can be downloaded for free from the iTunes store or Google Play.

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “We have a well-documented issue with weight problems among children and young people – as well as adults – in Wolverhampton.

“Just over a quarter of our 10-year-olds are classed as obese compared to just under a fifth nationally, and this is something the council and its partners are determined to address.

“While eating well and in moderation is ultimately down to the individual, it is the responsibility of parents and carers to ensure their children enjoy a balanced, healthy diet and to reduce the amount of sugar they are consuming.

“I welcome Public Health England’s latest Change4Life campaign; it will help families make healthier choices and I’d urge parents to try out the free tools and resources which are available online."