A GIANT chicken has been helping to spread the healthy eating message in the region's schools this week.

Wacky Chicken has been visiting primary schools in the Darlington area to teach children about healthy eating, as part of National School Meals week.

He has also been handing out word searches, competitions and jigsaws, all connected with the healthy eating message.

Schools have also been eating food from fitness-themed menus, including Olympic quiche, go faster pasta, canoeing cabbage and World Cup potato smiles.

Wacky visited Hurworth Primary School yesterday, much to the delight of four-year-olds Ross Carpenter and Georgia Brydon, pictured above, and is due to visit St John's CE Primary tomorrow, Whinfield Juniors on Thursday and High Coniscliffe CE Primary, all near Darlington, on Friday.Picture: MIKE GIB