The East Midlands is one of the worst places for tourist attractions selling junk food.

The findings of a national survey, analysing the children's meals available at tourist sites have just been released. Environmental health and trading standards officers from councils across the UK tested 397 different meals for 7 to 10-year-olds at 220 activity centres including theme parks, wildlife parks, museums, leisure centres, heritage sites and outdoor farm parks. 

Salad versus cakes and sweets.

The meals bought were analysed for fat, saturated fat, salt and protein, as well as sugar, and the results showed there is still an emphasis on high-fat fried foods, such as chicken nuggets and chips, and sugary drinks.

More finding's from the East Midlands:

• Manufacturers still often use the meaningless term "controlled salt" on labels.
• Some breakfast cereals are very high in sugar, and this is not always clear in the name of the food.
• Nutritional information on labels is often not accurate, making it difficult to make an informed choice.
• Levels of fat, salt and sugar were sometimes much higher in foods aimed at children than is recommended.

How easy is it to find a healthy meal at an East Midlands tourist attraction?

HEART Reporter Helen Heald has been to Leicestershire to find out.

Leicestershire Trading Standards took part in the national survey and visited 2 local attractions to test the meals on offer. Although they won't reveal which tourist sites they were, they did say the children's meals contained more fat, salt and sugar than is recommended.

Bosworth Battlefield and Country Park - a tourist attraction situated in Sutton Cheney- prides itself on its Tithe Barn Restaurant.

Chef Nick Radcliffe told HEART all of their meals have a choice of fresh vegetables, their ice cream is organic and there are loads of healthy alternatives next to the traditional fare such as chips and pasties. "Parents demand healthy options, when ordering for their children, they most often choose vegetables or salad over the chips."

How not to resort to chips over the summer holidays...

• Pack a picnic - get the kids involved in making sandwiches and healthy snacks.
• If you're just going out for a few hours, pack some healthy snacks such as nuts so if the kids get peckish, they have won't any excuse for heading to the nearest burger van.
• If you're planning a big day out, check ahead to see what food is on offer, so you know where to head when it hits lunchtime.
• Don't feel guilty if you do let them have chips - a one off treat isn't going to do any harm.