Scottish doctors are calling for free fruit and vegetables to be made available in all primary schools in a bid to tackle obesity in children.
It is also hoped the measure, if implemented, could address a persistent health inequality that results in Scotland's poorest children being the most unhealthy.
The British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland has called for the scheme in its manifesto for the Scottish Parliament elections next year, according to STV.
It cites figures from 2013-2014 which show that 25.9 per cent of children in the most deprived areas of the country are at risk of being overweight or obese, compared to 17.7 per cent of children from less deprived areas.
The manifesto adds: 'Consumption of fruit and vegetables among children in Scotland is poor, with the average portions consumed per day remaining at around 2.8 since 2003.'
Currently, 11 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities have some form of free fruit and vegetable scheme in place in addition to what is provided as part of a school lunch.
This is reportedly down from 16 local authorities that had schemes in place in 2013-14.
