ST MONICA'S High School is leading the way in tackling the rising rate of obesity in the borough's children.

The Prestwich school has agreed to allow in health and council investigators as part of a healthy eating campaign which could spell the end for traditional tuck shops. Chocolate machines and fizzy drinks could also be things of the past.

Bosses quote Government figures showing that one in five boys, and one in four girls, are overweight or obese. Their study will examine how schools can provide healthier food, and determine the success of breakfast clubs and the five-a-day fruit scheme.

Members want to know what food pupils are bringing into school, what they eat when they leave, and how to influence their eating habits.

They will also encourage children to drink water, and look at getting rid of fizzy drinks, chocolate machines and tuck shops.

The project group comprises council officers and members of the healthier and safer communities scrutiny commission, and Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT). Four primary schools in Bury will also take part in the study.

As previously reported in the Guide, St Monica's was one of just a handful of schools in the country to pioneer a cashless system in the dining room. Pupils use pre-paid cards to buy their meals, which allows parents to see what they have been eating, if at all.

Councillor John Smith, scrutiny commission chairman, said: "The commission is determined to discover ways to improve the eating and drinking habits of Bury schoolchildren. We are sure schools can help children change their diet to combat obesity and other causes of illness and disease."

And Hilda Harvey, chairman of Bury PCT, said: "Tackling obesity is vital to the health of our children and we are delighted to be working with Bury Council on this initiative."

Parents are being encouraged to have their say by attending meetings of their local area board where the matter will be discussed.