A BREAKFAST club was launched at a primary school yesterday to encourage youngsters to start the day healthy.

Children at Archibald Primary School, Middlesbrough, have been arriving early since last term to tuck into breakfast before going to their classes.

The club is an initiative backed by the Teesside Health Action Zone, Middlesbrough Borough Council, Middlesbrough Environment City and the West Middlesbrough New Deal for Communities Partnership.

The success of a seven-week trial last term prompted headteacher Pat Irving to continue the club. She said: "The children enjoy coming in early to meet their friends. It's become a social event before going to classes."

Sandra Brown, healthy eating projects officer who has coordinated the project, said: "The breakfast club was introduced to encourage children to have a nutritional start to the day."

The club runs during term-time from 8.15am to 8.45am, and costs 40p per child. Children are offered a choice of cereal, fresh fruit, toast and spread with orange juice, milk or hot chocolate.

Club regular Claire Blagg, ten, said: "I like coming here to have my breakfast. It means I don't have to rush at home getting ready to come to school. I can have my breakfast without hurrying and have different types of cereals and fruits, which I don't get at home."

The club was launched by Middlesbrough Football Club mascot Roary the Lion and player Colin Cooper