With the second Le Crunch educational programme now up and running, more than 4,800 UK primary schools have requested the new kit 'Le Crunch Crew Play Time'.

This accounts for just under a quarter of all UK primary schools. During the first six weeks of the year the exploits of the Le Crunch Crew, consisting of five feisty characters, Gala, Braeburn, Red, Granny Smith and GD (Golden Delicious), will be seen by nearly 560,000 children. These are characters that were designed in 2001 to appeal to kids and encourage them to eat healthily and exercise.

'This is the second year of our Le Crunch Crew programme,' said president of the French Apples Marketing Commission, Jacques Vanoye. 'Last year we concentrated on healthy eating. This year we wanted to combine this with fun and fitness.

'We have also taken Le Crunch Crew in store this season to make sure that they have so much visibility they become 'celebrities' in their own right.' The kit has been endorsed by the Physical Education Association and includes ten activity cards, a 12 minute video, a teachers' handbook and a poster for the classroom.