THE mother of an obese teenager who lost nearly seven stones has urged the NHS to fund more weight loss summer camps across the UK.

Thirty-three stone Colin Ord, from Seaham, County Durham, is now down to 26st 3lbs after attending a camp near Leeds.

Obesity kills an estimated 30,000 people in the UK every year and is now affecting increasing numbers of children.

Despite evidence that virtually every child loses weight after attending the camp, NHS support for this approach to the growing menace of childhood obesity has so far been half-hearted.

Only 16 of 75 people, aged 11 to 18, at this year's camp were sponsored by the NHS.

The rest are paid for by parents, who are among nearly 1,000 people who asked how they could enroll their child at the camp, which is held at a boarding school with a private swimming pool and extensive grounds.

Most cannot afford the fees, which range from £795 for two weeks to just under £2,000 for the full six-week programme.

But the camp organisers argue that it is money well spent.

Colin's mother, Brenda Ord, is thrilled by his progress.

Before attending the camp he sat in front of the television all day snacking on chips. Now, he goes to the gym four times a week, swims twice a week and prefers to eat salads.

Mrs Ord cannot understand why the camp, run by Leeds Metropolitan University, is not funded by the NHS.

Despite evidence that the camp's mixture of exercise, activity and healthy food works - all 90 children who took part in the summer 2001 camp achieved weight loss and increased fitness levels - there are no plans to open more camps.

"Colin has been transformed by this camp," said his mother. "He is much more confident and it has done wonders for his self-esteem.

"Why can't the NHS give overweight kids this money now rather than wait until they are 55 and have to pay for a knee or hip replacement?"

Paul Gately, director of the Carnegie International Camp, is elated at the camp's success, but angry that little is being done to combat obesity effectively.

"Because there is nothing else available and because we are successful I genuinely believe that the Government has a duty to fund children to attend our programme," he said.

No one from the Department of Health was available for comment.

For further details of weight loss camps log onto www.weightlosscamp.org.uk or call 0113-283 2600.