PRICE promotions are mainly to blame for shoppers in Wales stocking up on junk food, according to a Cancer Research UK survey.

Almost nine in 10 (86 per cent) of more than 1,000 people in Wales who took part said they think price deals offering free extra items influence and encourage people to buy unhealthy food.

And 68 per cent said temporary price reductions on junk food influenced them to buy it. Almost three in five people (58 per cent) said temporary cut price deals influenced their buying choices.

Survey results have been published ahead of the launch of a three-month Welsh Government public consultation, into how it should introduce an effective obesity strategy.

Around 1,000 cases of cancer a year in Wales are put down to overweight or obesity. The latter is linked to 13 cancers, including bowel, breast, womb and kidney.

Wales has the highest childhood obesity rate among four-five-year-olds in Britain. Six in 10 adults and more than a quarter of children are overweight or obese, and Cancer Research UK wants strong action to improve the nation's health.

“These offers are unhelpful and unhealthy, persuading people to ignore their shopping lists and buy cheap junk food in large quantities," said Andy Glyde, the charity's public affairs manager in Wales.

"It’s clear our growing waistlines are a significant worry.

"The Welsh Government has an opportunity and obligation to help people stack the odds of not getting cancer in their favour.

“By restricting special offers on unhealthy food and drink, the Welsh Government can do something really effective to influence the contents of our shopping baskets and help us all keep a healthier weight."