Leisure centres are being urged to reflect their healthy living ethos by binning junk food and sugary drinks from their cafes and vending machines in favour of healthy snacks.

A survey by the parenting support network Netmums found that more than a third (36 per cent) of leisure centres in the south west of England were reported as offering mostly unhealthy snacks and drink.

Now, Netmums is calling on leisure centres around the UK to copy the good practice of the minority and promote a healthy eating message to children, alongside their regime of fitness and exercise. The call has been backed by the British Heart Foundation.

The survey on the Netmums website received more than 2,500 responses from around the UK and the general message from parents was that they wanted more healthy options available for food and drink. The parents also suggested that the less healthy snacks and drinks, particularly those in vending machines, are placed in a less prominent position so they are less visible to children.

Around 34 per cent of the respondents in the south west were unhappy with the snack and drink options available at their leisure centre. Party food for children was also criticised, with 41 per cent of parents affected wanting healthier options available, rather than food "served straight from the deep fat fryer," as one respondent said.

As a result, the majority of the parents who responded rarely or never buy snacks, drinks and meals at their leisure centre.

Another issue raised is that in 38 per cent of the south west's leisure centres there is no free drinking water available, forcing users to buy expensive bottles of flavoured water or sugary drinks from vending machines. That figure could be higher - 29 per cent of respondents said they did not know if they could get free drinking water at their leisure centre, suggesting that even if it is available, it is not visible enough.

Netmums Food Editor Cathy Court said: "After hearing the views of our members, we are calling on leisure centres up and down the country to review the drink and food they supply to our families. We want them to supply free drinking water and to put more emphasis on healthy choices for snacks, drinks, meals and party food. It's what parents want and it makes commercial sense.

"It's great to hear that some leisure centres get it right! We are looking forward to seeing others do the same."

British Heart Foundation Campaigns Officer Josh Bayly added: "Healthy living is just as much about eating sensibly as taking regular exercise. Leisure centres have a key role in boosting activity levels, reversing the increase in childhood obesity and in combating heart disease. Clearly, as part of this, all leisure centre providers have a responsibility to make sure healthy food options are available to users of their facilities."

Some of the comments made in the survey are below.

"The cafe place doughnuts and cakes and crisps in all the areas that young children can reach. The bit of fruit offered is out of the reach of both my children. What is the point in encouraging my kids to exercise and eat well if the first things they are presented at the Health/Sports Centre is Coca-Cola and doughnuts! "

"I have never understood why Leisure Centres always have vending machines supplying chocolate, crisps and fizzy drinks? Surely parents of today would like to encourage their children to eat and drink healthy products after taking part in exercise.

I would like the leisure centre to set a good example by providing ONLY healthy snacks. Children want what they see in the machines, so a lot of pester power comes in! "

"The vending machines which are situated right outside the changing rooms only stock crisps or chocolate. It would be good to provide healthy snacks and reposition them..Also there are sweet machines which I think should be removed."

"Food is of abysmal quality, the usual burgers, reformed chicken products, chips, highly coloured slush puppy drinks, the kind of food that requires no thought in its preparation or serving. Extremely unhealthy "food", completely at odds with the ethos of the centre which is a swimming pool and gym."

"When booking a swimming party, I asked to see the children's menu. I was shocked to discover everything with chips, no vegetarian option, or fruit on offer. I immediately completed a suggestion card, although I'm sure they will just throw that in the bin."

What is the food like at your local leisure centre? Tell us below