SCHOOLS across East Lancashire have been praised for the high standard of health-related education offered to pupils.

Lancashire's Education Health Partnership -- made up of the county council and Lancashire's eight primary health care trusts -- has received a National Healthy Schools Standard plaque from from the Government.

Schools participating in the partnership's Healthy School Programme worked through topics including healthy eating, physical activity, safety, emotional health and well-being, sexual health and relationship and drug education.

Schools also worked with the support of the partnership towards specific themes, such as creating a healthy school ethos and developing links with the local community to improve health.

Lancashire County Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, Councillor Alan Whittaker said: "It is increasingly important that as young people grow up they are aware of the world around them and how to stay safe and healthy.

"This award is a recognition of the hard work put into educating our young people in Lancashire by the Healthy Schools Programme."