A DRIVE is under way to improve the health of people in Hartlepool by transforming their eating habits.

Healthy food co-operatives have been created across the town to try to increase consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Hartlepool Borough Council's Environmental Standards Selection with financial support from the Hartlepool Health Action Zone.

Healthy food co-ordinator Kim Baines is already working closely with two successful co-operatives on the town's central estate.

A third co-operative is due to be launched in Seaton Carew.

She said: "People with mobility problems and those without transport are often unable to reach a shop whilst others can find it difficult to carry a bag even a short distance, so these co-ops are playing an important role in making fresh fruit and vegetables much more accessible.

"We employ a shopper who purchases a range of healthy food on behalf of the co-operatives which then sell it on to their members.

"Hartlepool has well documented health problems, and hopefully we can play a part in helping to address these through the creation of more co-ops."

Anyone wanting further information about establishing a healthy food co-operative can contact Ms Baines on (01429) 284261.