TWO soccer heroes have been passing on a healthy eating message to youngsters to prevent them suffering from a stroke in later life.

Former Middlesbrough stars Gary Pallister and Craig Hignett are helping children on Teesside learn how to Eat a Rainbow and Beat a Stroke as part of this year's Stroke Awareness Week, organised by The Stroke Association.

Stroke Awareness Week, which began yesterday and runs until Sunday, aims to raise awareness about eating more fruit and vegetables to reduce the risk of a stroke by as much as a third.

Pauline Plenderleith, from The Stroke Association's North-East regional office, has talked to school assemblies in Stockton and Middlesbrough with the same message.

Children were also invited to enter a competition to produce posters and poems to help persuade others to eat healthily.

More than 500 childrentook part and the entries were judged by the Stockton Speech After Stroke Club.

The winning posters will be displayed in the entrance of the University Hospital of North Tees.

Dr Frances Harrington, consultant physician at the University Hospital of North Tees, said: "We are delighted to be able to host this event. Diet and lifestyle are hugely important in helping to prevent strokes.

"Increasing awareness among children at an early age through campaigns such as these are crucial and we are delighted that the Stroke Association has had such a great response. The posters and poems are excellent".