A MAYOR has got his teeth into the need to promote healthy eating.

Elected Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon attended a healthy food picnic to have a bite to eat with local children and families, yesterday.

Promoting healthier life-styles is one of Mr Mallon's priorities.

Picnic organiser Lindsay Thompson said: "We want to improve the health and early education of young people under 16 years and also support their families and strengthen communities.''

Ms Thompson, who is Sure Start marketing officer, said: "We aim to help the children feel happy and secure and grow strong and healthy, as well as encouraging them to learn new things and enjoy talking and listening.

"We can help parents too by involving them in the improvement of services and learning new skills and show them how to support and listen to their children.''

Councillor Jane Brunton, executive member of Middlesbrough Council for children's services joined the mayor for the picnic, organised by Sure Start Thorntree and Brambles Farm, at the Thorntree Youth and Community Centre, Middlesbrough.