I welcome the news that Vale school children are tucking into free fruit as part of a nationwide health awareness promotion.

I note that satsumas and bananas are being offered alongside apples and pears and wonder why in mid-summer with the strawberry crop at its peak, the fresh fruit is not offered instead of fruit which must cost a fortune in delivery costs across the World.

I hope that farmers' and growers' organisations are taking up with whoever is footing the bill the advantages of sourcing as much of all sorts of fruit as possible from local producers.

Wearing my hat as a school governor, I have already asked for this to be done through one school. Perhaps others can be persuaded to join in and take some positive action to support what is still an important part of our local industry.

Gerry Barnett, Somerville Ward, Wychavon District Council.