THEY may not be old enough to make the 2012 Olympics but Newham primary school children are getting fitter under a charity health programme. Children s Minister Dawn Primarolo came to Monega Primary School in Manor Park to see four- and five-year-old kid

THEY may not be old enough to make the 2012 Olympics but Newham primary school children are getting fitter under a charity health programme.

Children's Minister Dawn Primarolo came to Monega Primary School in Manor Park to see four- and five-year-old kids taking part in the Youth Sport Trust's (YST) Start to Play scheme.

The Government minister said: "It is vital that we help every child get a decent amount of exercise if they are to avoid serious health problems.

"By being physically active now through play, games and sport, children are for more likely to go on to be active, healthy adults."

The government is providing a team of specially trained Active Lifestyle Coaches for the YST's programme.

The coaches, who may be teachers or parents, are designed to motivate the kids to do at least one extra hour of physical exercise a week.

In addition to school PE, children will have the chance to take part in a range of activities, including break dancing, cheer leading, martial fitness, yoga or running.

The minister's visit to Newham came as the government published a report highlighting its campaign to combat obesity.