CHILDHOOD obesity and dietrelated health problems are a growing issue. In 2006, 26 per cent of boys and 27 per cent of girls in Yorkshire and the Humber region and 37 per cent of boys and 28 per cent of girls in the North-East were overweight or obese.

From breakfast to bedtime, children are being bombarded with increasingly sophisticated marketing tactics encouraging them to eat foods high in fat, salt and sugar. Junk food marketing ploys are clever - fast food brands using online games and tie-ins with popular films to promote their products.

The need for action has never been greater with a recent report warning that by 2050 obesity will cost the economy £45bn a year.

Former consumer minister Nigel Griffiths has tabled a Private Member's Bill to introduce restrictions on junk food marketing to children. It's vital that at least 100 MPs support the Bill and attend the Parliamentary debate on April 25 to ensure it passes to the next stage.

We also need as many MPs as possible to sign a petition in Parliament that supports the need for tougher restrictions.

Show you care by emailing your MP via www.which.co.uk/kidsfoodaction Louise Hanson, Head of Campaigns, Which? London.