A SCHOOL which has encouraged children to have a healthy body as well as a healthy mind has picked up an award.

Gainford Primary School, in Teesdale, has been recognised as being a healthy school by the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust.

Headteacher Howard Blindt was presented with a County Durham and Darlington Healthy School Award by Anne Beeton, the chairman of the trust, and school nurse Teresa Hutchinson.

The award aims to help children make healthy lifestyle choices and includes healthy eating, physical activity, citizenship, emotional health and well-being, anti-bullying and sex and relationships education.

Gainford school introduced many health initiatives, including Cool Milk, fruit, sport events, healthy snacks at break time and healthy school meals.

Deputy headteacher Barry Stannard said: "The school is extremely proud of the award.

"We hope that all the children in our care appreciate the effort that the teaching and non-teaching staff and governors have put into gaining this prestigious award."

Ms Beeton said: "By raising their awareness of the importance of health and well-being from a young age we will hopefully see fitter and healthier people in the future."