YOUNGSTERS were given free fruit as part of a council initiative to prevent obesity in primary school children.

Pupils from John Bunyan Primary School received piles of fruit from One Stop Convenience Stores, in Braintree, to help them with the Livewell Child project.

The three-year scheme is run by Braintree Council and Essex County Council, with several schools volunteering to take part.

Claire Worrall, assistant headteacher at John Bunyan School said: “We have started to give the fruit out at the end of the day as a healthy snack and the children have been thrilled.

"We decided to take part in Livewell Child because we wanted to be at the forefront of leading and promoting healthier eating and physical activity within our community.

"I look forward to being part of this three year project and to help support families lead healthy lifestyles.”

The project is initially focusing on schools within the district which have volunteered to take part, as well as families and the local community.

Businesses in close proximity of the schools involved are being urged to help support the campaign by spreading the word and offering healthier choices for families.

Helen Stafford, charity and community advisor for One Stop Convenience Stores in Braintree said: “We are delighted to be able to offer John Bunyan School free fruit during the launch of Livewell Child.

"One Stop has a commitment to supporting local communities and we want to be the best in our local neighbourhoods.

"We signed up as a Livewell Child business because we value what the project is aiming to achieve and our own ethos is to make a difference in our local communities.”

Businesses, organisations and community groups who wish to help support the project can contact marketing@braintree.gov.uk.