FISH suppers, deep-fried Mars Bars and everything that's wrong with the west Scotland diet is even worse for us than we thought.

Researchers at Glasgow University have found a link between a high-fat diet and stomach cancer.

Their studies have revealed that high levels of fat in the stomach can reduce the activity of vitamin C, which is important in helping protect against cancer.

The World Cancer Research Fund, which has been funding the work, said the traditional Glasgow diet was a cause for concern in light of the findings.

Dr Greg Martin, science and research manager for the fund, said: "People in Glasgow and the west of Scotland have the reputation of eating a high-fat diet and this is worrying.

"We already know that up to 40% of cancers can be prevented by eating healthily and exercising regularly.

"Weight gain and obesity are in turn closely linked to cancer and eating a diet without too much fat is important.

"The research backs up what we already know - that eating a high-fat diet is bad news for your health.

"The good news is that by eating healthily and being physically active, you can reduce your chances of getting cancer."

Researcher Emilie Combet said the discovery was significant.

She said: "It gives us a first step into getting a better picture of the chemistry of what happens in our stomachs."