A delegation from South Korea visited Croydon to learn about the borough’s efforts to promote healthy eating.

The Seoul Food Committee, made up of representatives from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Food Council and Ministry of Agriculture, visited London to discover how food policies are applied in the capital.

Their trip to Croydon was arranged through the Greater London Authority, which highlighted the council’s Food Flagship programme as a good example of an authority working with a community to improve its health and wellbeing.

Councillor Jane Avis, cabinet member for families, health and social care, said: “Supporting people to maintain a healthy weight is an important issue for many countries.

“This was a great opportunity to share the work being done in Croydon to help residents to eat healthier food and exercise more, which can prevent the onset of conditions like heart disease, kidney problems, some cancers and high blood pressure.”

The delegation heard about the work being done to reduce food poverty in the borough and about the council’s collaboration with Jamie Oliver’s Sugar Smart campaign.

They were also given they were given information about the residents’ website www.JustBeCroydon.org, which offers advice on how to prevent weight gain.