The MP for Dover says the death of Britain’s heaviest man, Carl Thompson, should act as a warning, as figures reveal the town has the highest rate of overweight children in the country.

Charlie Elphicke has written to Dover primary schools and health chiefs to voice his concerns.

Figures released by Public Health England show that the Town and Pier ward has the highest rate of overweight and obese children in the country.

Mr Elphicke said he was “gravely concerned” by the news.

He said: “We need schools and health chiefs to work together and see what action can be taken.

“Tackling childhood obesity is a priority. The level of overweight and obese children – especially in our area – is appalling.

“I have written to all schools in the area, as well as local doctors and public health chiefs, to start a conversation about what can be done to reverse this worrying trend.

“What happened with Carl and his sad passing is a warning to all. Particularly whether the food brought to him was unhealthy and made matters worse.”

Mr Thompson, 33, of Dofras Place, Dover, weighed 65 stone and was found dead in his flat in June this year. He had been told by doctors that he must stop his daily 10,000 calorie binge eating or his fate could be terminal.

Mr Elphicke said: “Improving our children’s education on how to make healthy lifestyle choices is just one of the ways we can work to tackle this issue.

“I feel it is particularly important that we listen to our local schools and health chiefs on the action that can be taken.”

He will be asking children in Dover how they think can be done to prevent these issues.

Public Health England has claimed a tax on sugary foods could save the NHS £15 billion and almost 80,000 lives.

The MP for Dover said he worries a sugar tax would hit the poorest families the hardest and sees education and exercise as a better solution.