The scheme is modelled on England's successful Free School Fruit Scheme, set up by the UK Government back in 2000, which has seen a wide variety of fruits, including the ever popular bananas, distributed free to schoolchildren.

The EU has pledged more than £70 million to the scheme.  "With this money we will be able to extend our current scheme in England, allowing us to reach ever more children, while children across Europe will benefit from new schemes set up in their own countries."

Recent studies have highlighted a dramatic increase in obesity among schoolchildren. "Part of the problem is poor diets and this scheme is an excellent way of promoting good eating habits from a young age. I am particularly concerned with reaching children from more deprived backgrounds, as they tend to consume less fruit and veg and tend to be at greater risk from obesity."

The North West is ranked the fifth highest region for obese children aged 2-10 years and tackling obesity is a key public health priority in the North West.

"It is our responsibility to give all our children the best start to life, encouraging healthy diets and promoting the 5 A DAY message. Poor diets now will only store up more problems for our children later on in life, putting them at greater risk from serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes."

This scheme is being funded with money from the CAP budget. "I have long championed a CAP that takes into account the needs of all citizens and I am delighted that this scheme will help tackle what is a serious health problem in the North West and will hopefully get more children eating fruit and veg", said Mr Simpson