Sending fruit baskets to friends and family in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland could go some way to boosting their health.

A study conducted by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has revealed that as many as 3,700 lives could be saved each year if people in these countries consumed more fruit and vegetables like their English counterparts.

The research, published in the British Medical Journal, showed that those living in these nations eat more calories and fat, with these poor dietary habits thought to contribute to more deaths.

Senior dietician at the BHF Victoria Taylor said that the study is not about bragging rights but rather about highlighting steps people can take to boost their health.

"This is a useful exercise in comparing influential differences in diet across the UK, namely calorie intake and fruit and veg consumption," she added.

Fruit baskets could be particularly well received in Scotland after a report from the country's government showed that many people are not consuming the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables.