Castle Point's MP has thrown his weight behind a healthy children campaign, swapping his place on the bench for a skipping rope and healthy heart.

Following a meeting focusing on the need to improve children's health, Bob Spink joined forces with MPs from differing parties and started hopping to highlight just how fun physical activity can be.

Mr Spink said: "By getting active and having a healthy diet, children are protecting their long-term health.

"Skipping is great fun, can be done anywhere and is good aerobic exercise which helps maintain a healthy heart."

Before embarking on their double-bumps and cross skips, MPs heard from Sir Alexander Maccara, chairman of the National Heart Forum, and Len Almond, director of the British Heart Foundation's National Centre for Physical Activity.

Both men were keen to reinforce just how serious the issue of unhealthy "couch potato" children really is.

Sir Alexander said: "Heart attacks and illness from coronary heart disease seem remote from children's lives, but the key risk factors for developing coronary heart disease - raised blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking - all develop over the course of life and most originate during childhood."

Mr Spink has revealed his commitment to the issue will not be forgotten once the rope has stopped swinging - he will be participating in the British Heart Foundation's 58 mile cycle ride next month.

Published Monday, June 16, 2003

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