PUPILS from schools around Selby have learned more about the benefits of healthy eating and exercise as part of a new scheme.

The Active Schools programme - run by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust for Selby District Council - has been rolled out to Year 1 children at 25 schools in the area.

James Massam, sport development officer at WLCT, runs the events, which include vegetable tasting, smoothie making and games, and said: "We've had a great response from schools and are really pleased to have helped spread important messages about staying healthy to more than 600 children."

Carla White, deputy headteacher at Barlby Community Primary School, said: "Our Year 1 children loved the sessions run in school by James, which were fun and taught a key message about the importance of looking after their bodies on the inside and out. Our school is very active and this scheme helped promote keeping healthy in an interactive and exciting way."

Councillor Gillian Ivey, deputy leader of the council, said: "Taking the healthy eating and being active message out to schoolchildren across our district delivers this important information right where it needs to go. The programme ensures that children learn in a fun way that a combination of healthy eating and exercise together ensures a healthy lifestyle."