MORE than 20 Darlington schools and businesses will be presented with awards for good health practices by Health Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn on Friday.

The awards are divided into two categories, Darlington Heartwise School Food and Darlington Heartbeat Awards for caterers at hotels, restaurants, hospitals, canteens and cafes.

No smoking policies, good food hygiene and consistent promotion of healthier food options are among the criteria laid down to judge the awards.

The awards and achievement criteria are reviewed annually.

The event is organised by the public protection section of Darlington Borough Council and developed in partnership with Darlington Primary Care Group.