YOUNGSTERS now have cool water on tap thanks to a donation.

Children at Newton Hall Infants School were presented with a water cooler by local firm AquAid after the school won a competition.

The contest was organised by the firm as part of the Water is Cool in School campaign, aimed at highlighting the benefits of drinking plenty of water.

Councillor Eileen Rochford, the mayor of Durham, was among those receiving the cooler at the school yesterday.

Headteacher Susan Edgar said: "At Newton Hall, we are not only concerned with the academic progress of our children, but the development of the whole child. We believe that through the Water is Cool in Schools campaign, we are giving our children the best conditions for their physical and mental performance. Both staff and governors would also like to thank AquAid for their generous donation."

Emir Dobson, owner of AquAid Tyne and Wear, said: "It is vital that children have access to quality water facilities at school. Schools can dramatically improve water points by installing water coolers, so children can drink quality, chilled water whenever they need to."

Other schools can win water coolers at www.wateriscoolinschools.co.uk