Hundreds of local corner shops across Scotland are to join together to offer deals on healthy food options, in a bid to improve the health of the millions of Scots who are overweight or obese.

To be implemented as part of the Scottish Grocers' Federations healthy living project, the pledge will see around 250 stores offer cheaper deals on vegetables, fruit, fish and porridge. With Scotland holding the second-highest obesity rate in the world (after the USA) this will hopefully make the work of those in dietitian jobs much easier.

"Convenience stores understand they have an important part to play in encouraging people to eat a healthier diet," claims the chief executive of the Scottish Grocers' Federation, John Drummond.

Speaking to BBC News, he added: "This unique event will bring local shops together from across Scotland to offer their customers a range of healthy eating promotions throughout January, a time when many of us are reflecting on changes we need or want to make in our lifestyles and resolving to follow through on those changes."

The Scottish government has given the plans its blessing, with the health minister, Shona Robinson, telling The Scotsman: "This programme will make a huge difference to the availability of affordable, healthy food in our local shops."

"We want to make it easier for people to make healthy choices. This is an opportunity for customers to get more choice from their local stores and for retailers to become an integral part of their communities by helping to improve Scotland's diet."