One woman who knows the benefits exercise has on children is Sarah Jackson, founder of the the Little Gym Sutton Coldfield.

Ms Jackson launched the company, part of the US-based the Little Gym franchise, in March after being convinced to leave a high-profiled career in sports marketing consultancy.

"It all started from simply having always loved sports and taking part," said Ms Jackson from Lichfield.

"I do believe that having been active from a young age is the reason that I have remained active in my adult years."

Ms Jackson, who had worked promoting events such as 1998 World Cup in France and the 2000 Tennis Masters Cup in Lisbon, had ambitions of running her own business and working with children.

The opportunity came four years ago, when I discovered the Little Gym.

"I loved what I saw, the people running it had such a passion for what they did so I decided to open my own franchise.

"It's very much my own business - I raised the funding and I have recruited the staff.

"It wasn't easy. It took a long time to secure the necessary finance.

"Some of the banks were certainly more willing to listen than others, but I was passionate about the business ad I think that helped me to win through."

Ms Jackson said the business focuses on making gymnastic skills fun and offers session for children as young as four months.

She said: "It's all about developing their motor skills and, at that age, its about getting the muscles moving and, perhaps some supported tumbling. It's all done very safely."

But she stressed that the business was not solely targeted at tackling the rise in childhood obesity.

"Parents come to us for a wide number of reasons, some may be worried that their child lacks the confidence that some of their friends have or perhaps at pre-school level, they want their child to develop more social experiences.

"It's all about confidencebuilding in an environment that is fun. We've had some lovely stories of children that have come to our sessions being brave enough to take part in Sport's Day for the first time."

Ms Jackson now hopes to expand the business, with three further franchises planned for the West Midlands.

She said: "If we can find the right venue, we plan the next to be in Solihull.

"We would like to get the ball rolling within the next 18 months."