PUPILS at a Stockton school can start their day the healthy way thanks to the generosity of a local shopping centre.

St Mark's Elm Tree Primary School has been given a £200 donation from the Wellington Square's Community Fund, to set up a breakfast club.

The club is part of a healthy eating programme the school is developing which has so far included a salad bar at lunchtime, a ready supply of drinking water for all pupils, including individual bottles and water fountains, as well as a fruit tuck shop.

Rob Gildersleeve, centre manager at Wellington Square, said: "I am delighted we have been able to support such a worthwhile school project."

The school plans to spend the money on beakers, bowls, spoons, plates, toasters and kettles. Any cash left will go on cereal, bread and milk .

Kerry Coe, the school's healthy eating co-ordinator, said: "Unfortunately not all of the children attending the school are in the position to have a good healthy breakfast at home because of various reasons or simply because of a lack of time, so the introduction of a breakfast club at the school will really make a huge difference to all concerned."