A SMALL North Yorkshire Women's Institute will finally have a resolution on children's diets, exercise and health debated at a national meeting next week.

It has taken East Witton WI three years to get the resolution placed on the agenda at the annual meeting of the national federation on Wednesday.

The WI, part of the North Yorkshire West Federation, has fewer than 20 paid-up members, most of whom have grown-up children with families of their own.

The resolution reads: "This meeting views with concern the increase in obesity and diet-related health problems in children, and the associated risk of chronic disease in later life, and urges HM Government to regulate the promotion to children of foods that contribute to an unhealty diet and to ensure increased opportunities for exercise and practical food education in schools.''

It will be proposed by East Witton treasurer, Shirley Percy, who said members had contributed to research into the problems caused by junk foods and lack of exercise.

She said yesterday: "It's quite staggering what has come to light. We are all very concerned about obesity and the health of our children.

"There is no reference at all to cooking in the national curriculum and it's appalling to think that there are so many children going on to colleges and universities who will have no idea how to look after themselves.''

Mrs Percy said research had also been undertaken into diet-related health problems such as diabetes.

Arguments for and against the resolution will be debated by WI members from all over the country.