THE Newcastle Vipers ice hockey team have helped Catchgate Primary School celebrate becoming a healthy school.

The school was presented with its County Durham and Darlington Healthy School Award by Verna Fee, from Derwentside Primary Care Trust, and members of the Vipers ice hockey team.

The school received the award for reaching nationally accredited standards in certain areas of the curriculum, including healthy eating and physical activity.

The County Durham and Darlington Healthy School Standard, which is supported by Derwentside Primary Care Trust, aims to help children have a healthier lifestyle.

This includes giving them drugs education, emotional health and well-being, healthy eating, physical activity, citizenship, bullying, and sex and relationship education.

Staff and pupils from Catchgate Primary School worked hard to achieve the award by looking at all areas of the school to see how life could be improved, identifying strengths and areas for development.

Some of the developments which have taken place included improving access to drinking water and setting up a fruit bar to encourage the children to eat healthier food.

They also offered children a range of physical activities through links with local sporting organisations such as Sunderland Football Club, Consett Rugby Club and Consett Athletics Club.

Ms Fee, the community and partnership officer for Derwentside Primary Care Trust, said: "This is a fantastic achievement as the school only opened to pupils in November last year."