OUR front page revelations today detailing the level of child obesity in Worcestershire schools should act as a wake-up call to every parent in the county.

Figures from the National Child Measurement Programme, which aims to weigh and measure every pupil in their first and last year at primary school, shows that a quarter of children in the county are overweight or obese when they start school.

Remember that many of these children are just four years old.

Worryingly, that figure rises to one in three for children ready to start secondary school.

These figures represent a time- bomb waiting to go off in our society.

Much of the blame, we are sad to say, rests with parents.

Too few children take enough exercise.

Too many children eat unhealthily.

At the age of four or five - or even 10 and 11 - children are reliant on their parents ensuring they live healthy lifestyles.

That means less time in front of the telly or games console, fewer sweets, and more time riding bikes, or playing sport, or just running around.

Often kids do not want to do these things. Often it's easier to take the soft option. That's when true parenting skills come into play.

There is plenty going on in schools in terms of healthy eating and exercise programmes - but they will come to nought if not backed up with robust action at home.