A NEW "activity czar" is to be appointed in Burnley in a bid to get children to burn off excess calories from junk food diets and put the "play" back into playtime.

Burnley Borough Council will employ a community children's health co-ordinator to start in time for the beginning of the new school term in September.

The job, funded through a grant from the Lancashire Children's Fund, will focus on youngsters aged between five and 13 years old.

The co-ordinator will link up with teachers, play workers and community groups to run activites in schools and community venues.

One of the key tasks will be to increase the level of physical activity levels among primary school children to encourage them to most the most of playtime.

Burnley Council health and fitness development officer Linda Searle said: "Statistics show that young people do not do as much physical activity as they used to and there are also worries about the effects of 'junk food' diets.

"All this leads to a danger that children are storing up health problems for the future.

"We are hoping this scheme will reduce these risks and ensure that children in many different parts of the borough find out about new and fun ways of passing the time."

Coun Rafique Malik, executive member for social welfare, said: "This new project is just one example of the council working in partnership with schools and other organisations to tackle health issues.

"The range of activities and sessions this worker will provide for children will make a real difference to the well being of these youngsters and we're very please the Lancashire Children's Fund has got behind the idea.

"The aim is encourage all children, whatever their ability, to enjoy physical activity whilst gaining obvious health benefits."