HUNDREDS of school pupils made a step towards a healthier lifestyle yesterday on a two-mile walk as part of a health drive in the Durham dales.

About 350 youngsters from Teesdale enjoyed the two-mile trek from Barnard Castle CE Primary School, which included a tour of the grounds of Bowes Museum.

The walk was the final event of a fitness fortnight to launch a three-year scheme to encourage youngsters to take part in more physical activity.

The scheme, called Active Choice, is a three-year LEAP project led by Durham Dales Primary Care Trust.

Co-ordinator David Allen said the whole fortnight was such a success it will become an annual event, and will include schools in Wear Valley next time.

Mr Allen said: "The walk was great fun, as were all the other activities.

"Exercise and sport is not always easily accessible to youngsters, but by taking these physical activities to them, they have seen how much fun it is and how good it makes them feel.

"Hopefully, it will get the message out that it is good for their future health and immediate physical and mental well-being, and they will continue to take part in sport or physical activity."

The primary care trust joined forces with The Northern Echo, Wear Valley District Council and Northumbrian Water to launch a Chance To Live campaign, which is intended to promote the benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise or maintaining good health.

The fitness fortnight was held in partnership with Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, the School Nurses Team, Teesdale Leisure Services, primary schools, and Durham County Council's sports co-ordinator programme.