TWO weeks of activities are planned for youngsters in Teesdale to encourage them to have a healthier lifestyle.

Sport, health and leisure services are teaming up to give primary school pupils a chance to take part in the Teesdale Active and Healthy fortnight, from May 16 to 27.

The project involves the Teesdale School Sports Partnership, the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and Teesdale Leisure Services.

School nurses and leisure services staff will run healthy heart workshops. Durham County Council's school sport co-ordinator team will hold activity sessions and the trading standards service is setting up a healthy food choices programme.

Helen Goodrum of the county council's PE and sport advisory unit, said: "The aim of the two weeks is to build on existing work in schools and raise the profile of being active and leading a healthy life."

An open day with taster sessions for the family will be held at Teesdale Sports Centre on Sunday, May 22.

Activities will include a climbing wall, free swimming, netball, mini tennis, circuits and yoga, beauty sessions and healthy food tasting.

The final event is a walk and aerobics sessions for year six pupils from Mickleton Village Hall led by Teesdale walk leaders.