A POLITICIAN visited the Cancer Research UK shop in Johnstone to lend his support to a campaign helping to prevent obesity-related cancers in Scotland.

Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South, is backing the Scale Down Cancer initiative which is aiming to restrict supermarket multi-buy discounts on food which are high in sugar, fat and salt.

Nearly 40 per cent of all calories are purchased as a result of price promotions.

Scotland has one of the heaviest populations in Europe, with around two-thirds of adults and more than one quarter of children overweight or obese.

Mr Arthur said: “Four in ten cancers are preventable, yet not enough of us know that obesity if the single biggest preventable cause of the condition after smoking.

“Given the impact that cancer has on families in Renfrewshire South, it’s vital we take action on obesity.”

“We mustn’t let it continue to be the new normal in Scotland, that’s why I’m backing this campaign.”