Supermarket shoppers will no longer be walking through rows of tempting treats to get to the checkout after Tesco removed all unhealthy snacks from the counter-sides.

In most supermarkets in the UK customers are led through shelves stacked with sweets before paying for their shopping.

Last week, Tesco removed sweets and chocolates from checkouts in all 13 stores in Waltham Forest.

The food retailer took sweets away from the checkout in larger stores in 1994, but the policy now applies to every store, including Tesco Metro and Express convenience stores.

The company made the decision in an attempt to reduce ‘pester power’ and promote healthier lifestyles.

Sweets and chocolates have been replaced by healthier foods.

Public Health Minister Jane Ellison said: "This is a very welcome move by Tesco, responding to the clear demands of their customers, and raising the bar in the roll out of healthy checkouts.

“This initiative will help people to make healthier choices, which all contribute to reducing the long-term cost to our nation of obesity and ill-health."