Whitehall has earmarked £52million to help persuade UK children to eat fresh fruit and vegetables on a regular basis.

The money means more than 1 million children aged four to six will receive a piece of fresh fruit free every day as part of the National School Fruit Scheme, on trial in London and Leicester.

Meanwhile the NFU is calling for the government to use more UK- grown produce, and include vegetables in the scheme.

Union vice-president Michael Paske said: 'By providing increased funds, the government is demonstrating its commitment to encouraging children to eat healthily.

'There is, however, a need to provide children with a variety and we would like to see vegetables such as carrots, celery and tomatoes included in this scheme.' Part of the funding is for community-based initiatives for those in deprived areas.

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