families are being encouraged to eat healthily with an easy supply of fresh fruit and vegetables.

West Redcar Sure Start is backing the local council's healthy eating strategy by demonstrating what is on offer at Green Gates Children's Centre.

Staff will then prepare a weekly order line for people to call and order bags of fruit and veg at the bargain price of £2.50.

Organiser and nutrition co-ordinator Claire Spence said: "We've had lots of parents eager to join. It's all about healthy eating for all the family."

The Sure Start partnership, based in Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's education department, wants to create a co-ordinated approach to promoting healthy eating, covering children's needs up to the age of 19.

A draft policy has been drawn up, including the children's centres and involving education and social services departments, Redcar and Cleveland College, Redcar and Cleveland Youth and Community Service and the Langbaurgh, Middlesbrough and Tees community dental services.

Headteachers are considering the implications of the policy for the school meals service.

Comments are invited, via www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/ surestart