YOUNG people from north Durham are learning about the benefits of healthy eating this week.

The scheme involves more than 900 year seven pupils from six comprehensive schools in Derwentside, along with two special schools from Harelaw, in Stanley, and Villa Real in Consett.

They are taking part in a number of Healthier Future events, which have been organised by Derwentside and Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trusts and Derwentside District Council's leisure services.

The programme will give school children the opportunity to learn about why it is important to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

There will also be emphasis on the importance of increasing levels of physical activity.

Gillian Watson, project leader for the events, said: "We are working closely with six comprehensive and two special schools in the Derwentside area to offer advice and support on how to improve the health of local school children.

"By raising awareness of the importance of eating fruit and vegetables, and increasing levels of physical activity every day, we will hopefully see fitter and healthier people in the future."

The children will take part in sessions that will include a fun physical warm-up, visiting five different continents and learning about the fruit from those parts of the world, as well as having taster sessions.

There is a circuit of five fun physical activities, including Shokk Gym equipment, which is designed for young people, and Speed, Agility and Quickness equipment, which assists in the development of fundamental movement skills.