BLACKBURN has pledged to become Lancashire’s first Sugar Smart town in a bid to tackle child tooth decay.

It has launched a campaigning to cut the amount of sugar residents consume.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough has the highest percentage of five year olds with tooth decay in England, with 51 per cent having at least one decayed missing or filled teeth.

The initiative is led by the Food Resilience Alliance (FRA), and aims to support schools, hospitals, businesses and other organisations that serve, sell or can promote better food and drink choices.

The campaign is also supported by Blackburn Rovers Football Club, Blackburn College and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Other health issues including obesity and diabetes are associated with high sugar diets and the borough is taking a stand to support its residents by making it easier to access healthy options.

Cllr Jackie Floyd, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen’s Food Resilience Alliance, said: “We want to tackle our problem with sugar by encouraging and supporting organisations and businesses to provide choice for customers, staff or visitors when it comes to sugar.

“Simple ideas like having a water fountain available or providing clear labelling detailing the sugar content of food can make a big difference in guiding people’s choice.”

Gary Robinson, chief executive of Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, added: “We are delighted to be supporting this initiative and are working with our catering partner to look at ways we can provide lower sugar choices.

"We want to inspire the next generation of athletes to look after their bodies – and teeth.”