YOUNG people have said schools in Darlington should provide water in their classrooms.

The Young People's Health Group (YPHG) told Darlington Primary Care Trust's (PCT) joint board/Professional Executive Committee that primary school children should be given refillable water bottles, while secondary schools should have watercoolers in every classroom.

YPHG members Libby Findlay and Kim Malcolm were commissioned by the PCT to find out what was being done to keep pupils hydrated and healthy.

Miss Findlay said: "Children can become preoccupied with their thirst and lose concentration."

Miss Malcolm added: "We were told by staff that children who had water complained less of headaches and were generally less fidgety in class."

The survey also found that for some children, the water was the first drink of the day and they were less likely to drink fizzy drinks at home.

Non-executive director Tom Stebbings said: "The young people's health group is to be congratulated on this excellent initiative."

The PCT's children's services leader Lucy Wheatley said: "The project is a local catalyst which has raised awareness and helped schools recognise the importance of drinking water for children and young people."

A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said the availability of drinking water in classrooms varied across the borough but it was something the council encouraged.