THE number of overweight and obese ten and 11-year-olds in York has risen, according to the latest statistics.

Nationally the proportion of overweight and obese children in reception and year six has dropped since 2011/12.

While there was a fall for reception children in York from 22 per cent to 21.2 per cent, the rates in Year Six have risen from 29.2 per cent in 2011/12 to 30.5 per cent in 2012/13.

However, the proportion of overweight and obese children in York remains lower than the national average, which is 22.2 per cent for reception and 33.3 per cent for year six in 2012/13.

Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, director of health and wellbeing in York, said: “While City of York Council welcomes the trend of the NCMP figures being below the national average, they are still frightening.

“I would urge parents to reflect on what this data means for the future of our children and what changes could be made through diet and lifestyle to further reduce the problem in York.”

In Ryedale, 24.8 per cent of children in reception were overweight or obese and 29.3 per cent in year six in 2012/13. In Selby, 21.8 per cent in reception and 31.3 per cent in year six were overweight or obese and 21.2 per cent in reception and 28.5 per cent in Year Six in North Yorkshire.

In the East Riding of Yorkshire, 20.9 per cent of children in reception and 32.6 per cent in year six.

Children in England in reception year and Year Six have their height and weight measured as part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP).