A third of children in Merton are overweight or obese by the time they reach secondary school.

But the council hopes that by combating advertisement of junk food and improving food available in the high street the trend can be reversed.

Last week the council signed a Local Authority Declaration, committing to reduce sugar consumption in the borough and promote healthier eating.

It follows work from London-based charity Sustain which is working to make healthier food available across the capital.

The pledge will see Merton Council review its advertising policy to ensure that council-owned advertising supports healthy eating.

It has also committed to reduce sugar in school meals as well as offering healthier food and drink for council staff.

Council leader, Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “Preventing obesity which later leads to chronic diseases is important to us.

“There is hidden sugar in everyday foods which we often miss unless we read the packaging, which is why we are working in collaboration with Sustain and local partners to ensure that we effectively create a healthier borough for everyone. Signing the declaration shows our commitment to tackling childhood obesity.”

This year the council is also expected to launch as ‘Sugar Smart’ campaign that will call on businesses, residents and organisations to reduce their sugar consumption.

Dr Dagmar Zeuner, director of Public Health at Merton Council said: “Childhood obesity is a complex issue and there is no single solution.

“Therefore a preventative, whole systems approach is required, which recognises the influence of the places where we live, work and play on our health and wellbeing, as well as our individual behaviours and choices.”