A PROGRAMME of events combining healthy eating and exercise has been arranged for north Durham children.

Over 900 year seven pupils from all comprehensive schools and two special schools in the Derwentside area will take part.

The week long scheme, organised by Public Health County Durham and Darlington and Leisureworks, everyday next week.

Youngsters will be taught why it is important to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day as well as the importance of increasing their levels of physical activity.

Gillian Watson, Food and Health Worker and Project Lead, said: "We are now in the sixth year of the ‘Healthier Future’ events and are working closely with the comprehensive schools and two special schools in the Derwentside area to offer advice and support on how to improve the health of local school children.

"By raising awareness of the importance of eating fruit and vegetables and increasing levels of physical activity every day, we will be working towards seeing fitter and healthier people in the future."

Pupils will begin the programme by doing a physical activity warm up, then will be divided into two groups, Some will have the opportunity to try some unusual fruits, such as dragon fruit, rambuten and grenadillos, while the second group will take part in a physical activity exercise.

Some of the activities available will be an inflatable assault course, boxercise and dance mats.

The session ends with a cookery demonstration where a chef will prepare sweet and sour vegetables for children to try.

On Monday and Tuesday it will be at the Belle Vue Leisure Centre, Consett, and at the Louisa Centre, Stanley, the rest of the week.

The final day of the week long programme consists of a community day where local people and their families are welcome to attend. There will be an opportunity for them to try physical activity including, Tai chi and tasty soup on offer to try.