A scheme aimed at improving healthy eating habits amongst the people of Scotland is set to be adopted by the Department of Health south of the border.

The Scottish Grocers' Federation Healthy Living Programme, set up in 2004, is aimed at improving the availability of fresh produce and healthier foods in convenience stores.

In Scotland there are an estimated 600 stores taking part in the scheme – around half in the most deprived areas of Scotland.

An evaluation conducted last year by Harris International Marketing found that 70 per cent of shoppers thought the scheme had encouraged them to buy healthier foods, while 45 per cent of respondents said they were buying more fresh produce than the previous year.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison commented: "It's great to see that the scheme's success has now been recognised further afield - this is another example where Scotland is leading the way."

"We're committed to doing everything we can to improve the health of all Scots. Eating a healthy diet and, particularly, introducing children to healthy eating is one way we can do this.

"This initiative has proved to be a valuable way to make fresh produce more accessible, by improving the range of fruit and veg available in local stores."

The new English scheme will focus on 12 convenience stores in the north-east of England.