SCHOOL tuck shops could bite the dust in a bid to stop Bury pupils turning into modern-day Billy Bunters.

Health and council leaders have ordered an investigation into what youngsters are eating and drinking. It could mean chocolate machines and fizzy drinks are also banished from school premises.

They are worried about the levels of obesity among school children - Government figures say that one in five boys, and one in four girls, are overweight or obese.

Five schools are taking part in the study: Woodbank Primary, St Thomas' Primary, Hoyle Nursery and St Paul's Primary - all in Bury - along with St Monica's High School in Prestwich.

The investigation will examine how schools can provide healthier food, and determine the success of breakfast clubs and the five-a-day fruit scheme.

Members want to know what food pupils are bringing into school, what they eat when they leave, and how to influence their eating habits.

They will also encourage children to drink water, and look at getting rid of fizzy drinks and chocolate machines and tuck shops.

The project group comprises council officers and members of the healthier and safer communities scrutiny commission, and Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Councillor John Smith, scrutiny commission chairman, said: "The commission is determined to discover ways to improve the eating and drinking habits of Bury schoolchildren. We are sure schools can help children change their diet to combat obesity and other causes of illness and disease."

And Hilda Harvey, chairman of Bury PCT, said: "Tackling obesity is vital to the health of our children and we are delighted to be working with Bury Council on this initiative."

Parents are being encouraged to have their say by attending meetings of their local area board where the matter will be discussed.