YOUNGSTERS across the borough are being urged to ditch fizzy drinks in favour of water and milk.

It comes after a study by the World Cancer Research Fund found that young people are drinking on average three bath tubs of sugary drinks every year.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is running a campaign alongside Food Active to encourage residents to Give Up Loving Pop (GULP).

GULP involves working with schools and their pupils to encourage them to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Nominated pupils and staff have already received training as part of their Change4Life Champions course.

It was delivered by the School Sports Partnership groups which cover the Chester, Ellesmere Port and Vale Royal areas.

Change4Life Champions from each of the schools received advice and information on sugary drinks and healthier alternatives and will share what they’ve learnt with their classmates.

The recommended daily maximum of sugar in a person’s diet is no more than five cubes of sugar for four to six year olds, six cubes for seven to ten year olds and seven cubes for 11 years and older, including adults. One can of Cola can contain nine cubes alone.

Experts stress that sugar is not necessary in the diet and can cause a host of health issues from tooth decay and obesity to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Excess sugar intake has also been linked to certain cancers.

Cllr Louise Gittins, cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: “Many children have too much sugar in their diet, and much of this comes in the form of sugary drinks. Not only is this causing problems for children and young people now in terms of tooth decay and weight gain, but continued over-consumption of sugar can lead to problems in later life.

“Sugary drinks can affect behaviour and academic performance. The GULP campaign will educate local young people about the benefits of switching to water or milk and we hope that the messages will be taken home, to share with family and friends.”

Martin Jones from Huntington Primary School, who attended the course, said: "The training course delivered to both teachers and children was excellent. With practical ideas and theory work we created an action plan with the children to take back to their school, incorporating the Change4Life and GULP Campaign messages in a fun and realistic environment."

Families can find out more about the GULP campaign online at www.giveuplovingpop.org.uk