YOUNGSTERS at a special school have been rewarded for their healthy approach to education.

Dr Clive Buxton, acting director of public health for Langbaurgh Primary Care Trust, presented the first National Healthy Schools Standard Certificate to staff and pupils at Kilton Thorpe Special School, in Brotton, last Friday.

The standard is a national scheme concerned with improving the health and well being of schools and their communities by working in partnership.

It sets targets in key areas such as drug education, emotional health, healthy eating, physical activity, sex and relationships education and safety and citizenship. A panel of judges has to agree that the school has met the targets for the standard to be awarded.

A health fair that took place at the school concentrated on a number of important issues - including first aid, road safety, stopping smoking, dental hygiene, food safety and physical activity.

Dr Buxton said: "It is brilliant to see how enthusiastic the pupils, teachers and parents are about such an important part of everyone's life. Kilton Thorpe has really taken health and safety very seriously and the health fair clearly demonstrates that."

Headteacher Noreen Robinson said: "We're delighted with the award. We've involved all our 101 pupils, raising their awareness of health and safety. It's been a great success."

Four more Redcar and Cleveland schools - Laurence Jackson at Guisborough, Lockwood Primary at Boosbeck, Harry Dack Infants at Loftus and Lakes Primary at Redcar are all due to receive the standard during the summer term.