YOUNGSTERS have spent their half-term taking part in an event designed to encourage them to become more healthy.

Middlesbrough Football Community Project and Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust joined forces to deliver positive health messages to 50 youngsters in the Grangetown, South Bank and Eston area.

The children participated in a three-day Kick the Habit course funded by the Care Trust and delivered by the Community Projects health promotion team.

The course aimed to deliver messages on diet, physical activity and lifestyle choices through fitness testing and training, football coaching, anti-smoking games and drama, and a trip to see the Boro players training at the Rockliffe Park training headquarters in Hurworth Place, near Darlington.

The highlight for the children was the Anti-Smoking Olympics competition, which was led by Boro star Colin Cooper, who took the children through a warm-up and then encouraged them not to smoke through a series of football games.

Health promoter Claire Smith said: " This was a great opportunity for kids to enjoy their holidays whilst learning important health messages in a fun and interesting format. We were delighted with the support from Middlesbrough PCT and that Colin gave his time to help out."