More than 500 London schools have joined a scheme which gives pupils a free piece of fruit every day courtesy of the lottery.

The �42m School Fruit Pilot, which is backed by the New Opportunities fund, aims to improve the health of children aged between four and six-years-old.

It is believed that eating fruit could help to prevent various diseases, but a recent survey showed that fruit is often ignored in many children's diets.

Schools in the West Midlands and London are currently involved in the programme and the North West and East Midlands are due to join next year.

Improve attention

Ceri Jones, London regional officer for the New Opportunities fund, said: "Participation is running at an excellent 80% - and we are looking to improve this further.

"All the evidence points to the fact that eating fruit early in life will help children form habits that will benefit them in the long term and help reduce the likelihood of serious illness in later life."

Research carried out by the Department of Health suggests that schools taking part noticed an improvement in the children's attention levels and ability to settle down to work.