A SCHOOL has set up a fruit tuck shop for its pupils.

And year six youngsters will run the healthy break-time stall at South Stanley Junior School.

It was formed after the school received a grant from Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT) of £100 to promote its WHY 5? campaign.

The tuck shop is to encourage children to eat five portions of fruit or vegetables a day and was launched yesterday.

Alan Black, headteacher at the school, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the PCT in raising awareness about the importance of healthy eating.

"The campaign complements our own drive to increase participation in physical activity and to promote healthier lifestyles for all our pupils.

"The launch of the fruit tuck shop is just one of a number of initiatives the school is promoting towards the health of its pupils, as well as working towards achieving the Healthy School Standard Award."

Pupils designed posters to advertise the opening of the fruit shop and help them learn about healthy eating.

Gillian Watson, health promotion specialist for the PCT, said: "It is important to engage with local schools and support them in improving their health.

"Today's young people are tomorrow's adults and by raising awareness of the importance of eating fruit and vegetables every day we will hopefully see fitter and healthier people in the future.

"Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables (400g) a day can help to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

"This is why we are advising both adults and children to eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day."