A NEW scheme to promote freedom of choice and healthy eating is under way at a Stockton school.

Reception class pupils in St Mark's Elm Tree Church of England Primary School are given the choice of a salad bar or a healthy main course each day, with a range of vegetables.

Seated in groups, the pupils are served their meals by year six helpers.

The helpers encourage the youngsters to try as much of the vegetables as they can.

The school has already won Kitchen of the Year and the Healthy Schools Gold Award as part of Stockton Borough Council's Healthy Schools Programme.

To achieve the awards, the school adopted a range of healthy eating and fitness initiatives.