A NEWTON Aycliffe school has gained an award for its work in improving the health of students.

Greenfield School Community and Arts College received a County Durham and Darlington Healthy School Award for achieving the nationally accredited standard in drug education, healthy eating, peer support and other core theme.

Alyson Learmonth, director of public health at Sedgefield Primary Care Trust, presented the award to chairman of governors Peter Bergg.

Tony Walsh, the trust's public health improvement team manager, said: "Today's young people are tomorrow's adults and by raising their awareness of the importance of their health and well-being we will hopefully see fitter and healthier people in Sedgefield in the future."

Jim Ward, assistant headteacher of key stage four, said staff health and well-being were an integral part of the scheme and had led to low absence rates.

He said: "Staff and pupils from the school worked hard to achieve this award by looking at all areas of the school to see how life could be improved, identifying strengths and areas for development.

"We have introduced water dispensing machines to the premises and we looked at our eating choices and why it is important to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.

"The award endorses regular routines we have followed for some time and we are absolutely delighted to receive it."

More information about the healthy school award is available at www.health-promotion.org.uk/schools.