PRIMARY school pupils are celebrating after being presented with their first award.

Children at St John's Primary School, in Shildon, have worked hard to achieve the National Healthy Schools Award.

To achieve the accolade the school has investigated areas where it can improve the general health and environment of its pupils.

One successful idea has been a buddy system, where older children in the school help the younger ones during break times and look after them while they are playing games.

The youngsters are also being introduced to a healthy eating regime through the National Fruit Scheme and Water in Schools.

Headteacher Andrew Farnell said that the achievement had been a tribute to the commitment and teamwork of teachers and pupils.

He said: "It think it is wonderful that we have been given the Healthy Schools Award. It is our first award and the staff and pupils have worked very hard to achieve it.''

Mr Farnell said that the school would be working hard to maintain the award by working in partnership with other schools in the town and the Sedgefield Primary Care Trust.

He said: "The key aspects of this are promoting a health lifestyle and creating emotional well-being for the pupils and the staff.''