Pupils 'unaware of green beans'

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Some primary school children have never heard of green beans, according to a new study.

Researchers working with children from a deprived area of Middlesbrough found that most of the nine and 10-year-olds were only aware of baked beans.

Teesside University involved 47 pupils as part of a project to raise youngsters' awareness of nutrition.

The World Cancer Research Fund, which funded the project, described the results as "shocking".

Spokeswoman Lucie Galice said: "Our research shows that fruit and vegetables are important when it comes to reducing our cancer risk, and one of the main things we do as a charity is to try to get this message across.

'Basic knowledge'

"But the fact that so many of these young people have never even tried green beans is a stark reminder of how far we have to go before we get to a situation where everyone is eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day."

The research, led by Professor Carolyn Summerbell, was carried out at a primary school in the town.

It formed part of the Tees Consumption and Activity in Kids Experience (TeesCAKE) project, which worked with Middlesbrough FC and the local council to provide food tasting sessions and get the children active.

Prof Summerbell said: "The fact that most of them had never tried green beans is a reminder of just how important it is that we concentrate on giving children in this country the sort of basic knowledge about nutrition and healthy living that will keep them in good stead for the rest of their lives."