Smarties go for fruitier brand...

Fruit-flavoured Smarties are to be launched this year, it was confirmed yesterday.

Fruity Smarties will go on sale by early summer, makers Nestle Rowntree said.

They will be the first chocolate-free version of the brand.

Meanwhile, it was announced a range of low-carbohydrate chocolate bars will be offered to followers of the Atkins diet. Atkins 'Endulge' bars, which come in six varieties, will be sold in Boots branches from the end of April.