More than 100 delegates from the council, health service, schools, children's centres, sports and leisure facilities in North Tyneside discussed potential outcomes at a conference at the Langdale Centre in Howdon.

They heard that more than 21 per cent of children aged ten to 11 in schools were obese, with 36 per cent being classed as either overweight or obese.

Delegates agreed to work together to develop projects already underway to reduce childhood obesity, including activity clubs for children, projects to promote healthy eating and exercise for families.

Gill Alexander, strategic director of children, young people and learning for North Tyneside Council, said: "We must be focused as we can be as a community and as professionals.

"Ultimately, it comes down to choices by individuals and in North Tyneside we realise we need to work in genuine partnership with parents and families."

Mayor John Harrison added: "If we don't stop this rise in childhood obesity, there will be serious problems for the future. What we are doing now is so important – if we don't get it right, an estimated 60 per cent of our population will be obese by 2050.

"I call on everyone to place reducing childhood obesity at the centre of everything we do."

One initiative proving a success is the North Tyneside Carnegie Clubs, run by Carnegie Weight Management.

The free weight management scheme for children aged 11 and under takes place over 12 weeks on Saturday mornings at the Parks Leisure Centre and aims to help overweight children and their families change their lifestyle.