Morrisons stores in Weymouth, Bridport and Blandford will hand out free fruit to children.

The Free Fruit for Kids scheme prevents unsold fruit being thrown away, offer young people one of their five-a-day, and helps make the shopping trip easier for busy parents.

A range of ‘child friendly’ types of fruit, including bananas, apples, pears, sweet clementines, and satsumas, will be offered in the store’s entrance. Every morning greengrocers will replenish the free fruit stand with produce that otherwise has a chance of being binned.

James Bates, Store Manager at Morrisons Weymouth said: “Sometimes our store is left with unsold fruit and customers would prefer us to find a use for it. So we’re putting out fruit - that’s at risk of not being sold - for children to help themselves. It’s healthy for them, reduces food waste in our store and will help make shopping easier for parents.”

Morrisons data shows reducing food waste is one of customers’ top concerns. Earlier this year the supermarket committed to increase the number of 'wonky' fruit and veg products by 50 per cent.