Yesterday I took my daughter to see 'Toy Story 3'.  We took our place in the queue and found ourselves standing behind a typical family of four.  Unusually, the queue allowed us to purchase everything we needed, tickets, 3D glasses, drinks and confectionary.

The children in front of us were aged about 9 (boy) and 7 (girl). The mother ordered a family ticket, 4 large family size bags of chocolate, a small popcorn,  2 large and 1 small fizzy drinks (full sugar). She handed each child a bag of chocolate and a large drink.

We all know that during a film, in the dark with your mind focussed on what is happening on screen, it's very easy to eat without thinking. I'm sure that before the credits roll,  only empty bags and cups will remain.

I shudder to think of the total 'snack' calories that each person, the children in particular consumed.  e.g. A 170g bag of Minstrels (selected by one of the children) have 503 calories per 100 grams, 855 in total. A large Coke contains approximately 328 calories;  that's a whopping 1183 calories.

With all the recent talk about the rising levels of obesity in children  my visit to the cinemas yesterday made it clear better education for parents is urgently required.