ADULTS across the region are failing to eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables every day, a survey has revealed.

Research by the National Charity Partnership showed 73 per cent of people do not eat enough fruit and veg, despite most worrying about how their diet affects their health.

The partnership is urging residents to eat more healthily to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease - two conditions associated with poor diet.

Babs Evans, head of prevention for the partnership, said: "Many thousands of people already live with Type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease in the West Midlands. These conditions are potentially life-threatening, but also largely preventable.

"A healthy diet is known to help people reduce their risk, but many of us can struggle with this. However, if our eating habits don’t change to include more healthy options like fruit and vegetables, the UK as a whole could be heading towards a major health crisis."

The partnership - formed between Tesco, the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK - has published a series of 22 healthy recipes as part of its Let's Do This campaign.

For more information visit lets-dothis.org.uk