Ten-year-old children are being asked by the NHS whether they are "comfortable in their gender" in official health surveys being completed in schools, it has emerged.

The form given to children in year six to complete asks: "Do you feel the same inside as the gender you were born with? (feeling male or female)".

Youngsters are also asked to tick a box to confirm their true gender, with options including "boy", "girl" and "other".

Parents have been told that the NHS survey helps healthcare workers and teachers develop "better ways to understand and support" children who may be struggling with their identity - but it is not known whether certain children will be approached based on their answers.

However, MPs and parents claimed the question was intrusive and could confuse children, amid growing concerns in some quarters over the inclusion of transgender issues in primary schools.