YOUNGSTERS have been taking part in a healthy eating initiative to show them the importance of fresh fruit and exercise.

More than 1,200 year seven pupils from Derwentside and Chester-le-Street schools have joined in the Why 5? - Try Five extravaganza this week.

The events teach children about the five-a-day message, including why it is important to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day, and the need to increase levels of physical activity.

The Why 5? team from Derwentside and Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust's (PCT) health promotion department, and the Try Five team from Derwentside leisure services, have organised the events.

Liz Moran, project co-ordinator for the PCTs, said: "Both projects are working closely with local schools to offer advice and support on how to improve the health of local school children.

"By raising awareness of the importance of eating fruit and vegetables, and increasing levels of physical activity every day, we will hopefully see fitter and healthier people in the future."

The children took part in sessions that included a high energy warm-up, learning about the fruit and vegetables from five different continents as well as having taster sessions, a circuit of five exciting, fun, physical activities and a Ready, Steady, Cook session led by Chef Noel.

Pupils also take away a goody bag, donated by the North-East and Yorkshire Co-operative, containing samples of fruit and vegetables and information about healthy eating and physical activity as well as a Try Five T-shirt.