'Children who exercise may be more intelligent'

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Researchers will use data obtained from 5,000 children over eight years to test whether those who are inactive suffer from memory and attention problems as well as damaging their physical health.

Experts behind the project, which is being funded by a £78,000 grant from London charity Bupa Foundation, said it was the first study linking children's intelligence and physical activity. Professor John Reilly said: "We hope our findings will be revolutionary and people will be shocked into exercising.

"We know exercise can prevent heart disease, stroke and obesity, but we need to tell people there is something else they might gain from being active."

The team took results from children who wore monitors to measure the intensity of exercise they did for a week at the ages of 11, 13 and 15. They also did written and computer tests.

Professor Reilly expects the data to show a link between intelligence and obesity because of exercise increasing blood supply to the brain, which he says is especially important in childhood.