Tackling Cumbria's childhood obesity epidemic is top of the agenda at a special conference in the county today.

The Healthy Weight Summit has been organised by Cumbria County Council's public health team to highlight startling obesity trends - with rates growing faster here than other parts of England.

The summit coincides with the launch of our new Healthy Start, Healthy Future campaign, which aims to promote positive working happening across the area to encourage children get fit and healthy.

Latest figures from the National Child Measurement Programme show there are problems in all parts of the county.

Almost a third of reception-aged children in Barrow and Carlisle are classed as overweight or obese, and unlike the rest of England these figures are rising rapidly year on year.

By year six, it is more than 30 per cent in all Cumbrian wards - rising to over 40 per cent in Copeland, nearly 39 per cent in Barrow, more than 36 per cent in Carlisle and 34 per cent in Allerdale.

Overweight children are at risk of serious health problems and more likely to suffer from low self esteem.

Today's summit, at the Stoneybeck Inn, Penrith, aims to unite health experts, community leaders, teachers and others to take action.

As part of the Healthy Start, Healthy Future campaign, CN Group is committing to support these efforts by championing communities and celebrating success stories.

To get involved contact health reporter Pamela McGowan at pam.mcgowan@cnmedia.co.uk.