SCHOOLS across the county are set to become healthier than ever thanks to the launch of a new scheme.

More than 100 pupils gathered at RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate to celebrate the launch of North Yorkshire County Council’s new Healthy Schools Award Scheme which is designed to help pupils play a part in making their school a healthier place to be.

The pupils taking part in the launch day represented 23 schools across the county that have said they would like to join the scheme.

Participating schools will choose to work towards becoming a Bronze, Silver or Gold Healthy School by meeting criteria in four key themes - Active Lifestyles, Food in Schools, Emotional Health and Wellbeing, and Personal, Social and Health Education.

Pupils were joined at the launch day by County Councillor Caroline Dickinson, executive member for public health, who said: “We all had a great day out, explored ideas for healthy meals and how pupils can work together to make positive changes in their school.

“We also took part in activities that included pedalling the North Yorkshire Rotters’ smoothie bike and exploring alternatives to sugary drinks with the County Council’s Healthier Choices team – and enjoyed healthy muffins provided by our catering team.

All North Yorkshire County Council schools can sign up to the scheme at no cost for an initial two years, while private schools can join for an annual charge.