The UK Government's strategy to tackle child obesity is a "missed opportunity", according to Scotland's health minister.

Aileen Campbell said that not including restrictions on junk food adverts was "disappointing" and showed a "lack of ambition" in the guidelines.

The SNP MSP has now written to the UK's public health minister, Nicola Blackwood MP, asking her to reconsider her position or devolve powers to allow the Scottish Parliament to set its own legislation

Ms Campbell said: "I am surprised and disappointed that further restrictions on junk food advertising have not been included in the UK Government's childhood obesity strategy. The strategy is much less ambitious than we had previously hoped.

"We have long argued that a ban up to the 9pm watershed would greatly reduce children's exposure to the marketing of unhealthy foods.

"This is a measure that is backed up by recommendations from both Public Health England and Food Standards Scotland, and has the backing of the Welsh and Northern Irish Governments.

"I am therefore calling on the UK Government to rethink its position on this policy, or failing that devolve these powers to the Scottish Parliament so we can take appropriate steps to benefit Scotland's public health."

The strategy has an emphasis on greater physical activity in schools and a voluntary scheme for the food industry to reformulate popular children's products to reduce sugar.

Ministers hope the food industry will cut 20% of sugar from foods such as cereals, yoghurts, sweets, breads and desserts over the next five years, with a 5% cut in the first year.

Also central to the plan is the Government's proposed sugar tax on soft drinks which will come into force from 2018.

Ms Blackwood said: "This Government is absolutely committed to reducing childhood obesity and one of the best ways to do this is to boost sports in schools.

"Team GB has been a huge inspiration at the Rio Olympics. We need to keep that inspiration alive when children go back to school in September - that's why we're asking schools and parents to ensure children do an extra hour of physical activity every day."

The plan was condemned by health experts when it was announced earlier this week.

The Obesity Health Alliance, a coalition of 33 charities, medical royal colleges and campaign groups, said in a joint statement: "The Government's plan is underwhelming and a missed opportunity to tackle the obesity crisis and its devastating burden on the health of both society and the NHS.

"We live in an environment where children and their families are bombarded by junk food advertising and many everyday foods and drinks are stuffed full of fat and sugar. This is fuelling the huge numbers of children we are seeing who are overweight and obese, and therefore at great risk of serious health conditions in adult life.

"This is why we need strong and bold Government action to make it as easy as possible for children and their families to make healthier choices and lead healthier lives."