A SCHEME piloted in the North West which offers free fruit to school children is to be rolled out nationally.

The National School Fruit Scheme (NSFS), was set up to promote healthy eating and help tackle obesity. Now, one million children are receiving free fruit at school every day.

Health Secretary John Reid, said the scheme typified his vision for improving the nation's health, encouraging and educating people about healthy choices and ensuring the Government tackles the causes as well as the consequences of ill-health.

He has announced £77 million new government funding to enable NSFS to be introduced nationwide.

Until now, the scheme has operated in four pilot regions, with £42 million in National Lottery good cause funding from the New Opportunities Fund.

These took place in March 2003. In East Lancashire more than 6,000 pupils aged four to six in Blackburn with Darwen's 55 primary schools benefited.

A survey in relation to the scheme showed that:

more than a quarter of children and their families ate more fruit at home after their school joined the scheme

nearly half of all parents questioned think the scheme has made them more aware of the importance of fruit for a healthy diet

eight in 10 parents say their child always or often ate the fruit provided at school.

Announcing the new funding, John Reid said: "Encouraging children to eat more healthily is vital if we're to tackle the increasing problem of child obesity.

"We said that every child aged four-six years old would be entitled to a free piece of fruit each school day and this new funding will deliver on this commitment.

"The scheme is a key element of our efforts to combat obesity and encourage a healthier population."

The funding breakdown to extend NSFS across the whole of England is £33.5million in 2004-05 and £43.5 million in 2005-06.

Since April 2002, the scheme has been operated through good cause Lottery money by the New Opportunities Fund.

This news comes a week after the announcement that six schools in Nelson are to take part in a pilot cookery project to tackle child obesity and cut the risk of youngsters developing serious illness.

The Healthy Cookery Clubs Scheme will teach children to cook healthy and tasty meals while increasing their awareness and understanding of the importance of a balanced diet, food hygiene and safety.

Forty-two schools across the North West will participate in this scheme.