Corner shops in economically deprived areas of England are to be given money to increase sales of fruit and vegetables.

Up to£200,000 will be injected into the Northeast pilot in the first year to help buy new shelving and promotional material to highlight the benefits of eating healthy food.

The Department of Health scheme follows a similar project in Scotland where 500 stores signed up, resulting in sales increases of up to 500 per cent.

Health Minister Ivan Lewis said: “We know that families in some communities still use the corner shop on a daily basis for their food and other household goods. It is therefore essential we take healthy eating options to these stores and reach those families who are at the greatest risk of poor health due to a poor diet.”

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