PLANS to ban the advertising of junk food across children's media has been met with a sour response, with many believing it won't address the root of the problem.

The landmark ruling by the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) hopes to tackle childhood obesity by removing all traces of food and drink high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) across all non-broadcast platforms such as online gaming and social media.

Councillor Michael Cassells is a governor of Cumbria CVS and works closely with the Health and Wellbeing forum.

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He thinks the ban is only a partial solution.

"We have had lots of campaigns in Cumbria which have used social media to get messages across to people in a positive way so this is the other side of the coin.

"I have no objections to banning the ads but it has to be part of a larger strategy.

"I do support anything that helps reset the balance but there should be more interest in promoting education and teaching people about the affordable alternatives."

Mr Cassells praised the work which has been undertaken in the area, such as the healthy eating campaigns ran in Ormsgill.

He added: "Obesity levels here have plateaued in past few years, which means we are doing something right."

Changes to advertising would cinema, print and social media would follow the same rules as TV in prohibiting the advertising of unhealthy food to children.

Ofcom's latest figures show that young people aged between five and 15 now spend about 15 hours each week online meaning education from a young age is vital.

Kerry Griffin is the owner and manager of Cheeky Monkeys Childcare, based at Abbots Vale community centre.

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Her strategy is to work with parents to promote healthier choices for the whole family.

She said: "I don't think banning ads will have an effect because if children are used to having a McDonalds every Tuesday, that's what they expect.

"People have busy lives which affects the choices we make so maybe giving parents better awareness would help or maybe quick and easy alternatives could be advertised.

"We need to help parents with this."

We asked our readers what they thought of the ban, here's what some of you said:

Ange O'Halloran No! People choose to put junk in their mouths, and banning ads isn't going to stop that. Kids eat what their parents allow them to, regardless of what they see on tv!

Mark Casson The money would be better used subsidising reduced prices of fruit n Veg

Darren Gill Why not get people more involved by either through exercise or give people a allotment so they can grow there own veg and eat it then they have something to be proud of.