ONE Withington mum is on a mission to combat child tooth decay and unhealthy eating in the county.

Louisa Foti launched her lottery-funded after school healthy snacks club at Sutton Primary Academy this summer, teaching children how to make healthy snacks and how to recognise the high sugar content in common food and drinks.

Ms Foti will work with pupils in all age groups at the school to teach them how to make and bake their own healthy homemade snacks to eat and take home for their families using low sugar, wholegrain where possible and locally grown fruit and vegetables from Growing Local CIC.

Ms Foti, who also writes a healthy food and lifestyle family-friendly blog, said: "We try to talk about sugar a little bit each week. We look how much sugar is in their favourite after-school snacks. They are always a bit alarmed to see it.

“Right now, with Jamie Oliver's sugar rush campaign it's much more interesting. I also read that Hereford is one of the worst rates of child tooth decay in the country.

"It's really frightening how many children under 10 have teeth out."

Those attending the club have made everything from cheese and veggie muffins to smoothies and zero sugar energy balls to magic instant ice cream.

"On average we get through about 10 fun recipes per five sessions of the club,” said Ms Foti.

“Starting with year six children I'm working my way down through the school and hoping that funding will stretch to all pupils who want to take part in the free club.

“It's just inspiring them really and make them interested in eating something other than chocolate bars and crisps.”

Ms Foti also runs a healthy dinners club at Withington Primary School as well as a food stall in Hereford's High Town on Fridays.

Visit eatyourveg.co.uk/fressh-eatyourveg/ to find out more about her work.