DRINKING, smoking, poor diet and under-age sex are ravaging the health of children and teenagers in parts of Kirklees.

The grim findings are laid out in a shock report compiled by Dr Judith Hooper, the district's director of public health.

And she warns problems are simply being passed on from one generation to the next.

The issues she highlights will be discussed at Tuesday's meeting of Kirklees Council's Spen Valley Area Committee.

Members will get a chance to say how they want to see some of the chronic problems tackled.

Health inequalities hitting the poorest and most vulnerable in society are well-illustrated in the Spen Valley.

More than half the children in Batley live in households claiming benefits.

Diet and housing are said to suffer in low-income households.

Homes become damp, mouldy and cold as heating remains switched off.

Just one in 14 children in the district eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day while 25% skip breakfast.

Poor diet, smoking, drinking and lack of physical activity are leading to levels of diabetes, asthma, obesity and tooth decay far higher than national rates.

A total of 68% of five-year-olds in Dewsbury have experienced tooth decay.

One-in-five older children in the area are addicted to smoking.

Around Mirfield, Spen, Batley and Dewsbury considerably more babies are born with low birth weights compared to national measures.

Death rates for children dying in their first year of life in Dewsbury are 12 per 1,000 - double the national figure of just under six per thousand.

That mortality rate has been rising slowly. Still births are also on the increase.

Dr Hooper said: "It is clear there is a wide range of factors affecting local health inequalities.

"Local agencies need to work closely together at all levels, engage the communities at risk and come up with action plans."

Among issues highlighted in the report were low birth weights associated with heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure in later life.

Dr Hooper said: "Birth weight relates to the weight of a mother which, in turn, reflects her own growth in childhood.

"Of women aged between 18 to 30, half were found to have abnormal weight .

She also said: "Teenagers are turning to drink and drugs with levels of alcohol consumption increasing."

High levels of anxiety were found among young people in North Kirklees, leading to drugs misuse. Drug use is also said to be rising among pregnant women.

And children who wanted to play out said the parks were littered with rubbish and drugs paraphernalia.

The report suggested a ban on smoking in public places and tackling drinking was also highlighted as a major priority.

Sexual health messages will also be sent out to youngsters who are becoming sexually active too young and not using contraception.

The report suggests a sharper focus on youngsters' rights with more co-operation between the NHS, Social Services, education and other children's services shaped around the needs of the young.

Health messages will also be sent out more proactively.