The tests highlighted 450 11-year-olds who would benefit from taking more exercise and eating more healthily.

Those pupils were then invited to join a 12-week programme at the Carnegie Centre to take part in physical activities and learn about nutrition.

Centre co-ordinator Peter Mackreth said it was a good way to tackle obesity.

"We're trying to engage children in physical activity and a healthy lifestyle and that's really appropriate for every child, regardless of health and fitness variables."

The pupils were selected for the programme after a survey of 11-year-old pupils' health, fitness and sport levels carried out by Leeds Metropolitan University in partnership with Education Leeds and the city council.

Parents were informed of their child's eligibility to join the programme and also invited to take part in their own lifestyle education sessions.