A group of Mitcham pre-schoolers had a special visitor today.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan popped in to the Acacia Pre-School Children’s Centre to launch a new scheme to help tackle health inequalities amongst young children.

The Healthy Early Years London programme will look to encourage children and families to eat healthy food, drink water, play outside, walk or cycle, sleep well, sing and read, and learn skills including brushing their teeth properly, as they develop behaviours that will prepare them for school and life outside.

Kelly Braund, Merton Council cabinet member for children’s services was delighted the programme was launched in Merton.

"It highlights the great work that is being done at centres like the Acacia, to improve the health, wellbeing and development of our youngest resident," she said.

"We will be engaging with parents, carers and the community to help children learn about healthy eating and lifestyle habits from a young age to lay down the foundations for them to lead healthier more active lives.

"We hope to continue on the good work that is already being down to bridge the gap to reduce the health inequalities and welcome the support from the Mayor of London.”

Mr Khan children's health was something that needed to be addressed immediately

“Our capital faces huge health inequalities and it’s shocking that, even from the youngest of ages, children’s health suffers because of the circumstances into which they are born," he said.

"We know that giving children the best start in life is the most effective way to address health inequalities in the longer term, and we all have a role to play in ensuring that every London child can enjoy the best possible start to life."