One in six children living in Macclesfield aged between 10 and 11 are obese, figures reveal.

Around 16 per cent of children are very overweight as they leave primary school, according to figures collated by the National Obesity Observatory (NOO).

The date from schools also highlighted around eight per cent of children - one in 12 – aged four and five are obese.

It means hundreds of overweight youngsters risk serious health problems in later life such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Macclesfield MP David Rutley described the figures as ‘very worrying’, while Cheshire East Council said everyone has a personal and social responsibility to tack the child obesity crisis.

Each year the height and weight of primary children as they enter reception and again in their final year is collected by Cheshire East Council under the National Child Measurement Programme.

Data recorded between 2009 and 2012 shows 144  four and five year olds were obese, meaning their body mass index (BMI) is above 30.

Some areas have more of a problem than others.

The highest prevalence was in Macclesfield West and Ivy electoral ward where 34 of 295 children - one in nine - are obese. The lowest rate was in Bollington where only 12 of 243 children are obese.

But the picture is twice as bad for children leaving primary school.

Of 1,856 children aged 10 and 11 a staggering 299 - 16 per cent - measured as obese.

The highest prevalence was in Hurdsfield ward where 39 of 150 children - one in four children - are overweight. The lowest is in Prestbury.

Coun Peter Hayes, who represents Bollington Ward and is a former chairman of the East Cheshire NHS Trust, said child obesity is a modern problem.

He said: “I do not recall any overweight children in my youth, food rationing and no private transport saw to that. This is certainly a problem of our times.

“No doubt they do what they can but mums and dads can encourage children to put their digital gadgets away and play outside.

“It is pleasing to see how well Bollington has fared. The topography may have something to do with it. Bollington is hilly compared to other areas.”

Coun Carolyn Andrew, of Macclesfield West and Ivy ward, said the key to tackling the growing problem was cutting down on sugary drinks and snacks, and plenty of exercise.

David Rutley, MP for Macclesfield, said: “Obesity it a challenge we face across the population but we need to tackle it early on in an individual’s life and there’s no more important time than with young children.”

Mr Rutley is a keen walker and said he will continue campaigning to encourage more people to get outdoors into the Macclesfield countryside.

He said: “As a parent of four children I know how hard it can be to get them involved in activities and away from their gizmos. But getting children out walking is one of the easiest and cheapest ways of keeping them fit and healthy.”

Councillor Janet Clowes said: “Ultimately, every individual has both a personal and social responsibility for looking after their own health.”