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 26 stones and three pounds after attending a unique weight loss summer 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 novel answer to the growing menace of childhood obesity has so far been half-hearted.

Only 16 out of 75 11-18 year olds at this year's camp are 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 in the camp, which is held at a smart 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, compared to the results of dieting and even surgery.

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

Before attending the camp he sat in front of the television all day snacking on chips.

But 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.

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

"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," she added.

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," said Mr Gately.

Colin said the camp was "absolutely fantastic."

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.