TWO healthy schools have been rewarded for their efforts to improve the lifestyles of staff and pupils.

Ceremonies were held on Wednesday at Burnhope Primary School, in Langley Avenue, Burnhope, near Lanchester, and at St Joseph's RCVA Primary School, in Gilesgate, Durham, where they were presented with an award to mark achieving national healthy school status.

Both schools received their awards for achieving standards in healthy eating, physical activity, personal social health education and emotional health and well-being.

Dave Collingwood, headteacher at Burnhope Primary, said: "Staff and pupils from the school worked hard to achieve the award by looking at all areas of the school to see how life could be improved, identifying strengths and areas for development.

Angela Boyle, co-headteacher at St Joseph's, said: "Children are encouraged to value exercise and healthy eating choices and understand the impact these will have on their future life."

Wendy Bagnall, County Durham and Darlington healthy schools programme manager, who presented the award at St Joseph's, said: "A healthy school is one that is successful in helping its pupils to do their best, and build on their achievements."