PRIMARY school children are being given free fruit at school in a bid to promote healthy eating and tackle obesity.

Children aged between four and six will receive a free piece of fruit each day under the National School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.

Statistics show that one in seven 15-year-olds and one in 12 six-year-olds are obese, seriously increasing their risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes in later life.

One of the school's involved is Alverton Infant and Nursery School in Northallerton. About 88 children are involved, with the children trying bananas and oranges on the opening two days.

Headteacher Lorraine Gorecki said: "Many of our children already brought in fruit from home but the scheme is good because it has provided fruit for those children who normally wouldn't bring any. We are just not sure how the carrots will go down."

It is hoped the scheme could help to prevent 20pc of deaths from heart disease and some cancers. Worryingly, one in five children does not eat any fruit, with three in five not eating any leafy green vegetables and half not drinking any pure fruit juice.

Rosie Denison, regional co-ordinator of the scheme for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "The evidence shows that eating at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day has very real health benefits.

"By helping young children to form good eating habits early in life, the scheme is an extremely welcome addition to our drive to tackle obesity and encourage healthier eating across the region."

Other schools involved in the scheme include: Ainderby Steeple CE Primary; Alanbrooke School, Thirsk; Manfield CE Primary; Melsonby Methodist Primary; Snape Primary; West Burton CE Primary, Leyburn and Croft Primary.