CHILDREN at a Worcester school have been getting their teeth into more than a difficult sum.

The reception class and Years 1 and 2 at Pitmaston Primary School are taking part in a Government fruit scheme.

The pilot initiative, which is taking place across the West Midlands, involves the children eating at least one piece of fresh fruit a day.

Apples, pears, bananas and small oranges have all been sampled by the four to six-year-olds at the school in Malvern Road, St John's.

"The idea is that the Government wants children to eat five pieces of fruit and vegetables a day," said deputy headteacher Julia Rogula.

"If you give fruit to children this young then they will get used to it.

"If they say they don't like a particular fruit their teacher will cut it and ask them to try a little bit.

"If they see their friends eating it then they're more likely to enjoy it."

The fruit is delivered from a central depot in Hereford and the fruits have included locally harvested crops.

The school has been transformed into a healthy school during the summer.

There are six drinking water points across the site where the children can refill their own water bottles.

It is following scientific evidence that regular drinking water rehydrates the brain and aids concentration.