Plus-size pupil uniforms

MARKS & Spencer has started selling school uniforms for super-sized pupils in Britain in apparent recognition of the worrying slide towards childhood obesity.

An online trial of its Plus schoolwear range caters for four-year-olds with waistlines of up to 23ins, a size usually worn by eight-year-olds, according to the retailer’s own guide.

Campaigners said the move by M&S was simply commercial recognition of what they had known for some time – that obesity is a growing problem among pre-schoolers and younger pupils.