We all want to encourage our children to follow a healthy lifestyle.

But Education Secretary Ruth Kelly's imminent announcement that chocolate and crisps are to be banned from school vending machines is not going to be met with universal approval.

Claims of the nanny state will no doubt be made and the move will go down like a lead balloon with the children themselves.

Most things, if taken to excess, are unhealthy for us, but the odd chocolate bar or packet of crisps is unlikely to do much harm to children.

On balance, however, it is right that schools should stop pupils buying such foods on the premises, as long as they accept that they will simply get them from the nearest corner shop.

With so much concern about childhood obesity, the ban is clearly justified. But it's not enough on its own.

Children must also be encouraged to take part in more sport and exercise, and spend less time in front of their televisions and computers.

If the Government doesn't really grasp that nettle, then simply taking out a few vending machines will do a fat lot of good.