A POLITICIAN who spent a week living on benefits has welcomed plans to give pregnant women free fruit and vegetables.

Helen Goodman, the MP for Bishop Auckland, last month spent a week trying to get by on income support, to raise awareness of the plight of single pregnant women.

She has welcomed a Government scheme - Healthy Start - under which pregnant women and new mothers will receive food vouchers to be spent on fruit, vegetables and milk.

The Labour MP said: "I am delighted the Government has recognised that we need to do more for pregnant women. This is a big step forward."

For more information on Healthy Start visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk or pick up a leaflet from a GP surgery.