Funfit club fruitie bar

For many years the Institute of Sport and Exercise has provided activity programmes for children. Its latest innovation is aimed at improving kids' diets as well as encouraging them to exercise.

The new 'Funfit Club Fruitie Bar' was the brainchild of Hazel Bell, Children's Programme Co-ordinator. She explains, "The idea came about at the end of last year when I noticed children coming in for the day's activities with money to buy sweets and crisps out of the vending machine."

"I decided to buy some party cups and fill them with fruit and see if the children would choose to buy a fruit cup instead. Immediately, the response was positive. Children who had pocket money were buying at least one cup during break times."

With obesity levels rising amongst Scottish children, Hazel is keen to promote the importance of healthy eating alongside physical activity to parents and kids.

She added, "The children's programme is also about educating the children on all aspects of active living and our message that 'fruit is delicious and refreshing as an energy snack' seems to be growing along with the Funfit Club members!"

The Institute of Sport and Exercise will be running the children's summer programme between 5 July and 13 August. Applications will be available from May 24, contact Hazel Bell, h.c.bell@dundee.ac.uk, for details.