Three out of four primary school teachers think children’s physical activity is declining, research suggests.

Half of 500 teachers surveyed said they believe fewer than one in two children in their class could run a mile.

The Daily Mile, a charity which encourages school children to run the equivalent of a mile every day, said its study found most primary school teachers do not think pupils in their class are active enough.

Most respondents said children actively avoid being physically active during break times, which they believe is having a direct impact on youngsters’ health and development.

Elaine Wyllie, a former headteacher of St Ninians Primary School in Stirling and founder of the Daily Mile, said: “Children’s physical fitness is paramount to both health and academic outcomes.

“The proven success of the Daily Mile makes it clear that building healthy habits for life can be affordable, inclusive and simple.”