From the start of the next school term sweet and snack dispensers will be removed from schools in Murcia in a pioneering scheme - in Spain - to combat soaring child obesity rates.

"30% of the children in the region are overweight, and each high-calorie snack, such as cakes, contain between 400-500 calories," explained regional Public Health boss, Francisco José García.

Currently, the region's schoolchildren are only obliged to do two hours PE a week though plans are afoot to rectify this.

Furthermore, according to the latest National Health Survey, only 51% of Murcians do regular exercise, well below the national average of 61% - only the inhabitants of Ceuta, Melilla and La Rioja do less sport.

Worringly, 10% of people living in the Murcia region suffer from diabetes, the main remedies for which are improved diet and regular exercise.