Hartlepool United Football Club boss Chris Turner has backed a health drive involving schools in the town.

Thirteen schools have been acknowledged by the Government for their commitment to promoting health initiatives within the curriculum.

Mr Turner, with Professor Gerard Wistow, chairman of the Primary Care Trust, and Hartlepool Borough Council's education chairman, Councillor Brian Littlefair, presented the healthy school awards at a ceremony last week.

The Hartlepool Healthy School standard certificate is awarded to schools which encourage a positive approach to health in a variety of ways, including drug education, healthy eating and safety.

Jackie Edwards, of Hartlepool council, which has helped to coordinate the initiative, said: "All the schools that received a certificate have worked very hard to develop initiatives which impact upon health improvement for young people and the wider school community."

Further information about the scheme can be obtained by contacting (01429) 523727