HEALTH workers have been encouraged to join the battle against cancer by eating more fruit and vegetables.

The Derwentside and the Chester-le-Street primary care trusts marked Cancer Prevention Week by setting up stands offering a quiz, draw and fruit samples.

Staff at John Snow House, Durham, headquarters of Chester-le-Street and Durham trust ran a competition for headgear designed on a fruit theme. Proceeds from the event will go to the World Cancer Research Fund.

Health promotion specialist Liz Moran said: "Increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables is viewed by experts as the second most important approach to cancer prevention after reducing smoking.

"It is also recognised as an important strategy to reduce stroke and heart disease.

"Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day is also recognised as an important strategy in significantly reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers. That is why we are advising people to eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day to help protect their health."