LIFE is peachy for a Haslingden company, which is being given free fresh fruit by Rossendale Council.

Option Technologies Europe Ltd, of Carrs Industrial Estate in Haslingden, is the latest company to support the council's Healthy Work-place Scheme.

The scheme, started last year, aims to influence the health and well-being of employees in Rossendale and their families.

The council's environ-mental health team is working with local businesses to make it easier for employees to make healthier choices in their lifestyle and health.

Option Technologies' employees took part in a survey and the results showed they felt their nutritional standards could be improved.

Through government funding, called Healthy Communities, the counc-il is going to provide a fresh fruit basket, sourced from a local greengrocer, for the employees for a short period.

William McGarrie, operations director at the company said: "This initiative has been really well received by colleagues.

"It has addressed an area that staff identified as being important to them and the management team is keen to continue the initiative."

David Pierce, who is Rossendale Council's principal environmental health officer, said: "The old saying healthy body, healthy mind' is very true when it comes to the workplace.

"We recognise that the workplace can be used as a setting for improving the health of employees and through them, their families, and therefore the borough."