A SCHOOL where health issues have an important place on the curriculum has been recognised for its efforts.

Stanley Crook Primary School was presented with a County Durham and Darlington healthy school award by the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust yesterday.

The school received its award for achieving national standards in investors in children, activemark gold, healthy eating, physical activity and other topics.

Trust chairwoman Anne Beeton said: "Today's young people are tomorrow's adults and by raising their awareness of the importance of their health and wellbeing, we will hopefully see fitter and healthier people in the County Durham area in the future."

Headteacher Shirley Oswald said: "Staff and pupils have worked hard over the last two years to achieve this award by working with the local community and the children to encourage a better understanding of how learning takes place and the importance of a healthy lifestyle to help the children achieve their best."

Children encouraged parents to adopt healthier lifestyles and have drawn up a two-year action plan for the school.

This includes developing sports and exercise clubs, a healthy snack tuck shop and a breakfast club.

The trust is a partner with The Northern Echo, Wear Valley District Council and Northumbrian Water in the A Chance to Live campaign to promote better health through encouraging people to eat well and exercise more.