SCHOOLS which are playing their part in producing healthier citizens have been rewarded for their efforts.

Representatives from more than 100 schools in East Lancashire gathered at Burnley Football Club to receive Healthy Schools plaques, and celebrate their work in meeting national standards for promoting health in schools.

Heather Hardy, Lancashire County Council's healthy schools co-ordinator, said: "This marks a real milestone in the partnership work that has helped children in Lancashire schools have healthier lifestyles and understand the importance of looking after themselves.

"The work will continue as more schools gain their Healthy Schools status, but I am immensely proud of the achievements so far, and the changes that have been made in recent years."

In total, more than 325 Lancashire schools have achieved Healthy Eating status.

Staff from schools ranging from rural primaries to large high schools were presented with their plaques by Tim Mansfield, from East Lancashire Primary Care Trust (PCT).

The county council was last month awarded national Beacon status for its Healthy Schools work, which marks out the programme as a model for others to follow.

The holistic approach did not just tackle eating habits and exercise, but personal and social development and well-being. School activities included throwing out unhealthy vending machines, anti-bullying campaigns, safety advice, and discussions about drugs, growing up, and relationships.

Alongside the national standard, Lancashire also sets its own even more stringent version, where schools work towards 12 standards, ranging from healthy eating, to drug education, and relationships.

Tor View Special School, in Haslingden, was the first in only four in the county to achieve all 12 and get flagship status.