CHILDREN at a Ferryhill school are being treated to a refreshing start to the day.

Dean Bank Primary School has bought two AquAid water purifier machines to provide children with fresh, cold, filtered water.

Children are provided with bottles filled from the machines, which are linked to the main water supply.

Headteacher Chris Young said: "The idea is that if children are well hydrated, research shows that they will be more attentive and work better during the course of the day."

A proportion of the money used to instal the machines is donated to the charity Christian Aid to help set up projects in Third World countries.

The school has also established a breakfast club as part of its commitment to providing children with a nutritious start to the day.

Profits are spent on buying food for the club, which each Friday has a different theme. Last week, a number of the school's governors attended on French day to sample the croissants on offer.