A CAMPAIGN to persuade pupils to swap the tuck shop for a fruit stall will be launched today.

Consett Junior School is setting up a fruit bar with the backing of Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT), as part of its Why5? campaign. The initiative aims to get children to eat five portions, or 400g, of fresh fruit and vegetables a day.

The bar will be run by older pupils during morning break times and members of the school council will decide how to spend the profits.

Liz Moran, Why 5? project co-ordinator with Derwentside PCT, said: "It is important for the PCT to engage with local schools and support them in improving their health, as today's young people are tomorrow's adults.

"By raising their awareness to the importance of eating fruit and vegetables, every day we will hopefully see fitter and healthier people in the future.

"Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can help to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes and some cancers."

The fruit bar is only one measure taken by Consett Junior School, which will be officially recognised as a Healthy School today.

It is working towards the Active Mark Gold Award, a Government standard given to schools dedicated to boosting pupils' physical activity.