An Upwell campaigner is calling on MPs to tackle childhood obesity.

Sue Kennedy travelled to Westminster to back a cause close to her heart by supporting Cancer Research UK’s new campaign called Junk Free TV.

She took part in a day of action urging MPs to back the campaign which calls for the removal of junk food advertising on TV before the 9pm watershed to help children lead long and healthy lives.

Sue said: “I know how motivated children are by junk food advertising and parents all have first-hand experience of pester power.

“Children are bombarded by advertising tailored to tempt them. The pretty colours and cartoons all influence the food they prefer.

“At a time when junk food is cheap and packed with extra calories, we need stronger action to help prevent children from choosing these foods.

“As someone who lost family members to cancer, I hope people in the area will really get behind the Junk Free TV campaign and its efforts to help prevent children growing up to be overweight adults and at risk of cancer in later life.”

Alison Cox, Cancer Research UK’s director of cancer prevention, said: “We’re grateful for Sue’s support in helping to highlight the scale of the issue.

“Obesity is the biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking and costs the NHS billions of pounds each year.

“We owe it to future generations to reduce the devastating impact caused by the obesity epidemic and help save more lives.”

In the East of England around one in five (20.6 per cent) children are overweight or obese and people who are obese as children are more likely to be obese as adults which the charity says increases their risk of developing cancer.

Research shows children who see junk food advertised on TV eat more unhealthy food.

To support the campaign, visit cruk.orgjunkfreetv.