SCHOOLS in York and North Yorkshire are proving they can help children's bodies as well as their minds after being given a national health award.

Tadcaster Grammar School is the first in the county to received the Healthy Schools award given by Selby and York NHS Primary Care Trust and the local education authority.

Other schools which have proved their worth when it comes to keep fit are Fishergate Primary School and Lakeside Primary School.

The local Healthy Schools programme is part of a national scheme to improve health and fitness in schools.

Those that receive the award have to show they are aware that keeping healthy is important, and understand the benefits healthy eating and exercise can have.

The scheme also aims to promote mental health, making learning easier and more enjoyable.

Penny Gregg, co-ordinator of the scheme, said: "This is an excellent achievement by the schools. By promoting the well-being of members of the school community in this way, the schools are making a valuable contribution to their health, well-being and all-round future achievement."

Tadcaster Grammar School joined the scheme in spring 2001 and recent developments include an increase in the information available on aspects of health, improved access to drinking water and the formation of a school nutrition action group to develop healthier mealtimes in school.

Geoff Mitchell, head teacher at Tadcaster Grammar School, said: "I am very pleased that all of the hard work which has been invested to promote the successful education of our students in health and welfare has been recognised."

Lakeside Primary School has been working on the project for the past two years and has held a healthy schools week, created a millennium garden, introduced peer mediation and completed a staff welfare project.

Class teacher Kathryn Charnley said they were really pleased when they were given the award.

She said: "It is a celebration of all the things that we have achieved."

Fishergate Primary School joined the scheme in 2000 and has held health weeks and learned through a range of subjects how to avoid accidents.

Head teacher Angela Johnson, said: "I am delighted the school has achieved this award. It is a recognition of the hard work of both pupils and staff, especially our deputy head, Kate Elliot, who is our healthy schools co-ordinator."

Updated: 08:55 Thursday, April 10, 2003