AN initiative will be launched in Hartlepool in an effort to improve the diets of residents in the town.

The Fruit and Vegetable Bag Scheme is aimed at residents who do not live close to a greengrocer's shop and who are unable to reach a supermarket.

Hartlepool Borough Council is working with the Tees Five-A-Day project and local organisations that are able to provide a venue where people can go to collect their bags of fresh produce.

One venue is St John Vianney Primary School, in King Oswy Drive, Hartlepool, which is inviting residents to attend a demonstration day tomorrow to find out how they can benefit from the scheme.

Kim Baines, the council's healthy food co-ordinator, said: "Orders are placed and paid for in advance, the fruit and vegetables are delivered on an agreed day and bagged up by volunteers. The bags can then be collected by customers at a time to suit them and the venue.

"The town has well-documented health problems and these initiatives are an important part of our drive to improve local people's lifestyles.

"It is important to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, but not everyone has access to them on a regular basis."