FARMERS and health chiefs have joined forces to persuade people in Wyre Forest to tuck into their greens.

The link-up between county NHS officials and Worcestershire Farmers' Markets Group is to encourage people to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables - and so reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

They will try to get the message across about the value of eating "five a day" at the September farmers' markets taking place in Kidderminster, Bewdley and other county towns. Harvington fruit grower Frank Tschak picks some of his delicious crop.

The markets will include displays, activity sheets for children, recipes and tips on how to use different vegetables, as well as the chance to taste samples of fruit and juices.

The link-up with farmers is one of a range of initiatives under way to press home the "five a day" message.

Dietician Rosanne Dunkley, who works for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals' NHS Trust, said: "The average consumption of fruit and vegetables in the UK is three portions per day compared to Greece, for example, where it is eight. Because of this we are more at risk from heart disease and cancer."

The region's health officials are particularly keen to persuade youngsters that it's cool to eat fruit and vegetables.

Since June Worcestershire's six-year-olds have been given free fruit each day at school as part of a Government scheme which will be extended nationwide.

Janet Yates, co-ordinator of the county's farmers' markets group, said: "September is a particularly good time for fruit and vegetables and there will be plenty of delicious plums and apples available."

The markets also sell free range eggs, cheeses, traditional sausages, home-cured bacon, breads, pastries and cakes, wines, juices, preserves, herbs and plants - all produced locally.

One of the farmers whose goods will be on sale is Harvington apple grower Frank Tschak. He picks his produce fresh for each market.

The market will be in Kidderminster High Street on Friday, September 13 from 9am until 4pm and at Bewdley, opposite the Dog Lane car park, on Sunday, September 22 from 10am until 4pm.