Food experts - backed by lottery cash - are aiming to get Bradford people to eat more fruit and veg.

The "five-a-day" co-ordinators have been appointed to help people, especially those aged under 30, eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

A "food links co-ordinator" will help those wanting to set up community food groups, such as co-operatives selling cheap produce.

The scheme started in the Airedale and Craven area, which was picked by the Department of Health as one of five pilot sites for five-a-day projects in 2000.

Now the Government has extended the projects to cover 66 primary care trusts across the country, with £10 million funding from the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund.

Melanie Durkin, the five-a-day co-ordinator for Airedale, was involved in the original project.

She said the new team would help improve access to fruit and vegetables, already identified as a major factor in getting people to eat more of both. They will also give fruit and vegetables a more positive image.

"We might work in youth groups or schools. We are also trying to improve skills - things like cooking, preparation and ideas around those. We work through health professionals and community groups."

They will organise fruit and veg tastings, with one planned during today's Basketball Barmy session in Centenary Square.

The five-a-day message is also being pushed through a new bus advert campaign telling people to Just Eat More (fruit and veg).

Ms Durkin and her colleagues Claire Masding and Jeannie Smith said they were pleased with the enthusiasm for the scheme.

"Generally the response has been really positive and people are keen to get involved."

Food link co-ordinator Carolyn Lowing will support community food groups throughout the Bradford district.

"My role is access for the community from the perspective of supporting community food groups."

That means helping people who want to set up food co-ops - which buy in bulk and then sell produce through volunteers - as well as food growing and allotment groups.

She can help them to get started, helping with research, training and equipment.

For more information about the five-a-day scheme, contact (01274) 223236 or e-mail info@bcep.org.uk.