Health officials said obesity levels in Middlesbrough are substantially higher than the national average.

Now council bosses and the local health trust are launching a food co-operative in the Easterside area of the town.

The move follows concerns raised by residents, who said there was a lack of shops selling affordable fruit and vegetables in the area.

Helen England, Middlesbrough Council's public health officer, said: "Obesity is the second biggest cause of preventable death in the UK and in Middlesbrough levels of obesity are substantially higher than the national average.

Local farmers

"Food co-operatives support the local community, helping local people to obtain low-cost fruit and vegetables and helping to reduce obesity by improving diet and health."

Food co-operatives rely upon volunteers to receive a delivery of fruit and vegetables each week. They then pack the produce ready for collection by the customers.

As much produce as possible is sourced from local farmers and poultry producers.

The scheme offers a bag of fruit or a bag of vegetables for �2.80. Free range eggs are offered at �1.60 for a dozen or 80p for six.

Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for community safety, said: "Tackling health inequalities is one of our key priorities. Improving access to nutritious affordable foods helps to reduce diet-related health problems."