ALMOST one in three Hampshire children are finishing primary school obese or overweight, "concerning" new figures have found.

New figures show that 17 per cent of year six pupils in Hampshire during the past year were obese, of which just over three per cent were severely obese.

Additionally, 13 per cent of year six children were overweight.

In Southampton the research, which was compiled by NHS Digital, showed 38 per cent of children in Southampton were unhealthily overweight when they finish primary school.

Hampshire County Council's executive member for public heath, councillor Patricia Stallard said tackling the "rising trend" of childhood obesity was one of the council's key public health priorities.

She added: "While there is no quick fix, our approach is to work with our partners, community based organisations, schools and many other settings to support children and families, to make the most of opportunities to help children achieve a healthy weight."

Examples of work bring provided or funded by the county council include the HENRY programme - which offers either one to one support form the commissioned health visiting service or group support to families - and primary school meals menu planning.

The data shows that children often develop weight problems while at primary school.

In 2017-18, just 11 per cent of Southampton's children were obese in reception.

That figure across Hampshire is nine per cent.

Councillor Dave Shield, cabinet member for community wellbeing at Southampton City Council, said: "Obesity is a national problem but Southampton City Council is committed to giving every child a good start in life and ensuring people of all ages live healthy independent lives. We are tackling obesity locally by working in partnership to make healthy eating and physical activity easier for all. We’re addressing the issue in our schools with our Healthy High 5 award scheme and in early years settings with the Healthy Early Years award scheme.

“Southampton’s Health and Wellbeing Board have also published a Children and Young People’s Healthy Weight Plan, which aims to create a healthy weight environment in the city. Our approach includes working with employers, planners and our community partners to make it easier for children to eat healthily and be more active to reduce obesity. This approach, alongside our cycling strategy, the ABP marathon, the HSBC UK Let’s Ride Southampton and other initiatives, will help make Southampton a healthier and more active place to live and work.”