Parents have been warned to "take off the blinkers" over how active their children are to prevent an increase in childhood obesity levels, according to new research from the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The new BHF's TNS Survey found that 71 per cent of parents believe their children to be "active enough", despite just 11 per cent of young people doing the recommended daily hour of physical activity. According to the BHF, schools need to maximise the opportunities for children to participate in physical activity around the school day and consistent collection of data by local authorities is needed to ensure young people can get fit more easily.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the BHF, said: "Mums and dads need to take off the blinkers about how active kids need to be in order to keep their hearts healthy. "Parents have such an important role in helping and encouraging their kids to be more active by building exercise into their every day lives - whether that's taking part in team sports, playing outside with their friends or walking to school."

The results of the BHF TNS Survey was published to coincide with the launch of BHF's Couch Kids report, which charts the physical activity levels of children throughout the UK.