CHILDREN and staff at a Darlington school are celebrating after proving they are the picture of health.

Pupils, parents and staff have all contributed to gain National Healthy School Status for Harrowgate Hill Primary.

The award ensures the school teaches personal, social and health education, as well as addressing healthy eating, physical activity and emotional health and well-being.

Retired headteacher John Warburton was invited back to the school to accept the certificate, received as a result of working with the County Durham and Darlington Healthy School Programme

He said: "It is fantastic that the school has achieved this, as it is difficult to get. It covers every aspect of getting to and from school and what happens at school to keep children healthy.