YOUNGSTERS took part in an event yesterday to encourage them to eat more healthily.

West View Primary School, in Hartlepool, held a fruit and vegetable promotion day aimed at Key Stage One and foundation youngsters.

The event was organised by Hartlepool Borough Council's health and environment team in partnership with the Tees Oral Health Promotion Department.

The day was split into five sessions and the children visiting three different scenarios, which included; fruit tasting, and a fruit relay.

Kim Baines, the council's healthy food co-ordinator, said: "We want to increase the children's awareness of the importance of fruit and vegetables to our health, particularly dental health.

"There are many different types of fruit and vegetables available and they learnt how to recognise them and were given the chance to taste some."

There are plans to follow up the event by making fruit available everyday through the school's tuck shop.