Eat greens, says £1m Big Mac ad

Fast food giant McDonald's has launched a £1million advertising campaign to encourage children to eat healthily.

But the move was met with scepticism by health campaigners who claimed it was a cynical stunt.

The initiative was prompted by claims that junk food adverts were fuelling the child obesity epidemic.

It comes as watchdogs consider taking action to prevent fast food companies targeting youngsters.

The campaign for children's TV will be funded from McDonald's £40million advertising budget.

The two-minute adverts feature Ronald McDonald and the Yums, 'who live in everyone's tummy'.

They use song and dance to urge children to keep fit, eat fruit and vegetables and 'not have too many treats'.

Kath Dalmeny, of The Food Commission, said: 'Advertisers know if they don't act they face consequences.

'I can't imagine the change will be permanent when it could mean people buying less of its food.'