TAMWORTH was branded as the fattest town in the country after shock figures were released last year by heath chiefs.

It means that the town down the road from Sutton has the highest percentage of overweight adults in England.

That's nearly one in three of the town's population (30.7 percent) being classed as obese. The figures were revealed last summer by the Government, in statistics released by the Department of Health, which focused on a 2011 profile of the town.

And as well as obesity levels the report showed that – unsurprisingly – levels of healthy eating were much worse in Tamworth than the English average.

Average life expectancy was said to be 7.7 years lower for men and 8.8 years lower for women in the most deprived areas of town.

"The health of people in Tamworth is mixed compared to the England average," the report said.

"About 16.3 per cent of Year 6 children are classed as obese. Estimated levels of adult 'healthy eating' and obesity are worse than the England average."

But there was also good news. Children in Tamworth have some of the healthiest teeth in the country, being among the areas with the lowest numbers of decayed, missing or filled teeth in children aged five.

Health chiefs in the town say they are continuing to work to promote healthy eating and physical exercise by offering a range of activities across the town.

With more than 15 fitness and exercise classes each week, free swimming for all, three outdoor gyms and numerous other initiatives and programmes available to everyone, Tamworth Borough Council says it is committed to improving the health and safety of residents.

One of the authority's top priorities is to create a safe environment in which local people can reach their full potential and live longer, healthier lives.

The council does not receive any government funding for public health initiatives, but does invest in working with residents and providing initiatives to improve public health and to increase safety - singly and by working closely with other organisations.

Projects to increase access to exercise and health education include:

Olympic festival in the Castle Grounds on June 30, to tie in with the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Tamworth. This will involve the majority of schools and sports groups in Tamworth and will be used as an opportunity to promote sport in Tamworth. It is hoped that thousands of borough residents will get involved and will hopefully be a springboard for them to link in with sports groups in the borough

Three outdoor gyms in the Castle Grounds, Wigginton Park and Dosthill Park. These are free to use

The provision of free swimming for all at Wilnecote leisure centre

Structured exercise programmes at the Activity Centre gym for people referred by their GP

Zumba sessions – with planning currently under way for a big Zumba event in the area

Nordic walking, which is the fastest growing leisure activity in the world

Buggy fitness for new mums to socialise while babies get fresh air

Details of fitness classes run throughout the borough are available at www.tamworth.gov.uk/leisure_and_tourism/sports_and_physical_activity/classes.aspx or contact the Sports Development Team on 01827 709316

Education sessions aimed at children aged up to six, which include healthy play and healthy eating. More details at www.tamworth.gov.uk/leisure_and_tourism/sports_and_physical_activity/education_activities.aspx

Public swimming is available at the SnowDome, after the council negotiated with the owners to make those sessions available

The council provides football and other sports pitches for use by local clubs across the borough

The council also runs a grant scheme which provides help for the development of new sports clubs and support to allow existing sports clubs to grow and develop

The council maintains a cycle network around the borough, as well as numerous parks and open spaces.