HERBIE and Rosy Apple have been touring schools in the Evening Press region to sing the praises of eating fresh fruit.

Children at Badger Hill Primary School in York were among those in York and North Yorkshire to receive a visit from the two friendly mascots of National School Meals Week.

The week is a Government-backed initiative, spearheaded by Dean Macey, the UK's Olympic decathlete, which aims to improve children's lifestyles through a healthier diet and regular exercise.

This year's theme is fresh fruit and in many schools children have been able to sample traditional fruits, like bananas, pears and apples, as well as more exotic produce like paw-paws, star fruit and kumquats.

Updated: 11:12 Thursday, April 18, 2002