EDUCATION chiefs are stressing that overweight children will not be weighed in front of classmates as part of a pioneering obesity study being launched in Blackburn and Darwen.

Old-fashioned scales are set to return to schools in June as part of an initiative from Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust (PCT) to establish obesity levels in the borough.

Pupils aged 11 and under at participating schools will be required to stand on weighing scales as part of calculations to measure their body fat based on height and weight.

The Trust said pupils would be asked to participate "in a classroom environment or in a class of P.E." in order the extent of obesity in the borough can be mapped and 'hotspots' identified.

The National Union of Teachers and some local councillors voiced fears the return of weighing scales, last used as part of school medicals in the late 70s and early 80s, would see larger pupils "ridiculed and bullied" if the weigh-ins were done in front of other class members. But Councillor Dave Hollings, executive member for education and lifelong learning in Blackburn with Darwen has reassured parents stressing: "There is no way that their children will be weighed in front of their classmates. This is not going to happen.

"I am sorry for any worry this misunderstanding has caused and I want to set parents' minds at rest. However we will continue to work with our partners in the health service to tackle childhood obesity in ways which are both effective and discreet."

In the last 10 years there has been a five to six per cent increase in the number of obese children and young people.

Once results are analysed, the Trust will offer advice and help to parents and pupils.

The study will support council and PCT measures to tackle the issue of childhood obesity and general improvements to children's health.

Over half of the borough's primary and secondary schools (56 in total) have signed up to the Healthy Schools initiative which sets targets for healthy eating and physical activity.

And the council has signed up to the government's School Sports Partnership initiative.

Projects have also targeted children who are overweight to encourage them to try new activities and raise their self esteem and confidence and work is also going on with pre-school and reception age children to introduce active play as part of their daily routine.

Vanessa Hollings, commissioning manager of Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust's children services added: "We fully appreciate that obesity in children is a sensitive issue. The survey will enable us to identify whether or not obesity is a problem for children in Blackburn with Darwen so we can target resources accordingly.

"The programme of work that will emerge from this project will be part of a range of initiatives involving schools, parents and the wider community."