However, parents were urged not to use it as a substitute for a good diet.

Chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Association, Andrew Dougal, said he was very supportive of the new toy, which aims to encourage youngsters to be more active.

Fisher-Price, which manufactures the Smart Cycle, says the product is the ideal solution to concern about ever-growing child obesity rates.

The bike is aimed at children aged three to six and goes on sale at the end of the month, priced at £99.99.

It comes with software which plays a number of different games when connected to the television. They encourage the user to pedal their way through mountains and car races which appear on screen.

Just last month, Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer branded the province a 'fast food nation' - warning that too much junk food and too little exercise are leading to an "obesity time bomb".

Dr Michael McBride said he was particularly alarmed that around one fifth of primary schoolchildren are classed as overweight or obese. He warned that obese children are at increased risk of developing conditions such as cancer and heart disease.

Mr Dougal said any development that encouraged children to be more active " had to be welcomed".

He added: "It's important for parents to remember, however, that exercise and good diet are two sides of the one coin in the battle against obesity in both children and adults. This bike should not be seen as an alternative to a good diet and children should be encouraged to get active outdoors as much as possible."