SCHOOLS in Bolton will get fresh deliveries of fruit in a multi-million pound initiative to improve children's health.

The town will receive a share of the £42 million Government grant to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables in an attempt to reduce the likelihood of cancer and heart disease in adult life.

Bolton ranks high on national blacklists for both diseases, so children aged four to six will receive a free piece of fruit each day from 2004.

A further £10 million will be given to communities nationwide, Health Secretary Alan Milburn has revealed. The money will be used to educate children and families about the need to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Heart disease and cancer are highest in "disadvantaged communities" where low fruit and vegetable consumption is lowest, the Government says.