SCHEMES to promote healthy lifestyles among youngsters are being rewarded.

Staff from 213 primary and secondary schools in the county will receive praise for their efforts.

They will be given plaques for achieving healthy school status by promoting healthy living through the National Healthy Schools programme.

The scheme challenges schools in the way they encourage healthy eating, exercise, social and emotional well-being.

County Councillor John Watson, executive member for schools, said: "Our schools have been so successful in this scheme because they don't see the physical and emotional health of their pupils as separate from their education but, rather, an integral part of it.

"Research continues to show that pupils who lead healthier lifestyles perform better academically and tend to be happier, so it really does pay to promote this important message."

This latest round of awards sees the proportion of the county's schools with healthy schools status rise to 55 per cent.

A series of events to recognise the schools and allow them to pass on their experience will be held this month.