SCHOOLS in Wyre Forest which promote a healthy lifestyle have been held up as shining examples of ways to tackle obesity at the launch of a major Government report.

Stourport High and Birchen Coppice Middle schools were leading models for cutting down on obesity in the young, Wyre Forest MP, Dr Richard Taylor, said at the launch of a Commons report.

Dr Taylor, who helped put together the much called for report by the Health Committee, made the point at a press conference on Thursday.

Stourport High last year overhauled its approach to food by filling menus and vending machines with healthy food, while Kidderminster's Birchen Coppice Middle has begun highly successful breakdancing classes.

Dr Taylor told the Shuttle/Times & News: "Schools need vending machines to increase their income but Stourport High has got two vending machines that sell water, low-fat crisps and sandwiches and they make money out of that. So, if one school can do it so, surely, can others."

Of Birchen Coppice Middle, which has nearly a quarter of pupils signed up to the breakdancing class, Dr Taylor said: "The exercise they get from it is absolutely amazing. (The committee) make the point that there are kids who are not necessarily keen on games lessons but very keen on dance. Dance is a very good way of using up calories."

Head teachers at both the schools said they were delighted Dr Taylor had brought their efforts centre stage.

Liz Quinn, from Stourport High, said: "It has been a great success. We are not making as much money as we used to. I think we will but it is not about that. We accepted we would have a cut in income. Now the students think more about what they are eating."

Wendy Taylor, head teacher at Birchen Coppice Middle, said: "The breakdancing has really taken off. It is helping them keep fit but, with the lads, it has turned round their behaviour. They are more motivated and it is an incentive because they have to behave to be part of the class. It also gives them a lot of street cred."

The Health Committee report - "Obesity" - was published on Thursday with a raft of recommendations for the Government to help cut obesity in all age groups.