One in ten children at primary schools in Devon may be obese, according to a Devon Primary Care Trust (PCT) survey.

Reception and year six pupils at local authority-run schools were weighed and measured last summer as part of a national initiative to tackle obesity in the county.

The survey found that just over one in ten (10.7 per cent) of children assessed was obese.

However, health bosses are keen to stress that due to the relatively small numbers of children taking part, it could be several years before an accurate picture of the problem is formed.

Dr Virginia Pearson, director of public health at Devon PCT, said despite this, the trust and its partners would be using the information to continue to reinforce the importance of healthy eating, exercise and self-esteem in young people's lives.

"At this stage, the data provides us with an indicative, rather than conclusive assessment of the problem," Dr Pearson said.

"But that doesn't mean that it is not useful. It is a wake-up call and the most important message I take from it is the need to continue to support children and those who care for them, to make healthy choices.

"Only by working together - mums and dads, teachers and the NHS, can we really make the kind of differences that we need to ensure that or children have the kind of futures we want for them."

Devon PCT says it continues to support hundreds of schools in the county to tackle obesity in children.

This includes a range of programmes that aim to help increase levels of physical activity, encourage healthy eating and develop self-esteem.

Councillor John Smith, Devon County Council's executive member for children's services, said: "We recognise the importance of encouraging sensible eating and exercise to promote long-term health benefits to our children and avoid the risks associated with obesity.

"It is for this reason we organised a top-level conference last week to discuss the issue, talk to professionals and parents and share positive examples of how to motivate children towards good health.

"Our Devon Healthy Schools Team is working on a number of initiatives to raise awareness among children about making healthy choices and striking the right balance.

"By working together with our partners in health, schools and with families we will be most effective in tackling the problem of rising obesity."