Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond may not have delivered his pre-election promise of free bananas for every pupil, but he is still ahead of the bunch when it comes to healthy eating.

To prove his commitment to a wholesome diet, the Mayor has given his backing to a series of in-class plays that will tell more than 2,000 Hartlepool youngsters how to eat well.

London theatre company Chain Reaction will tour 21 of the town's primary schools over a fortnight, with the play Food 4 Thought.

It tells the story of Jean, a canteen lady who is determined to change the eating habits of three young students.

Meanwhile, Mr Drummond has launched a competition for youngsters who have seen the show to design a poster promoting healthy eating to the rest of the town's residents.

He said: "I have had a long-standing commitment to promote healthier eating among young people, and I am delighted we have been able to bring in this theatre company.

"I saw a show at Throston Primary School recently and was really impressed. Hopefully, the message will stay with the youngsters.

"By changing the eating habits of young people, we might, in the longer term, be able to reduce cases of ill-health and premature death."