The Co-operative Group has secured a 12-month deal to sponsor ITV1's ­national weather from 1 January.

The society said it planned to use the sponsorship the biggest in its history to raise awareness of what it offers and to encourage people to change shopping habits.

The mini ad will appear before and after the report, which is broadcast three times a day and peaks at five million viewers in the evening.

"The deal will give us a platform to promote local shops, local suppliers and seasonal food," said The Co-op Group's food MD Tim Hurrell.