A SCHOOL that helps pupils to be healthy and happy and finds they do better in the classroom has been given a coveted award.

Dean Bank Primary School, in Ferryhill, has won a Healthy School award for the care it gives to children's physical and mental well-being.

It was presented by Healthy School worker Helen Richards to headteacher Chris Young and chair of governors Kath Conroy at a school assembly.

The school encourages children to take part in a range of sports and games.

A year six football team won area and regional competitions last year after coaching.

Children learn to deal with emotional problems and to eat healthily. A breakfast club is well-attended and fruit and raw vegetables have replaced chocolates and sweets at the tuck shop.

Mr Young said: "The health of our pupils is very important in our school.

"We care for their emotional well-being as well as the physical and find that if they are confident and happy at school, they are more likely to learn better."