'This sends a message to junk food companies'

A BAN on junk food adverts on the Tyne and Wear Metro will come into force before Christmas - blocking the promotion of ‘less healthy’ products, including Greggs sausage rolls and pasties.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

North East mayor Kim McGuinness committed a year ago to stop the advertisement of unhealthy food on the region’s public transport, backing a campaign from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

The Labour mayor has now announced that the restrictions, which are already in force on London’s tubes and buses, will apply from December 1 across Metro trains and stations, the Shields Ferry, and Nexus-owned billboards next to Metro lines. She said: “Every day, thousands of young people travel on our Metro network for school and with their friends ~ I want parents to know their children will be protected from adverts for burgers, sweets and fizzy drinks. This is us sending a clear message to junk food companies - enough is enough.