A HASLINGDEN school has become the first in Lancashire to be officially recognised for healthy living.

Tor View School has been given Healthy School Status by Lancashire County Council for its pioneering work to develop the emotional and physical wellbeing of pupils and staff.

The Clod Lane school, which is the only special school in Lancashire for pupils with all disabilities, advocated healthy snacks instead of chocolate and crisps long before the Government introduced fruit in schools and has been working to improve the personal and social development of the whole school community for the past four years.

Now the school is keen to pass on ideas on how to get children to eat and be healthy.

Deputy head at Tor View, Ann Beard, said: "As a special school we are used to addressing all aspects of a pupil's development, so working towards the healthy school status was a natural step.

"Children are happy if they are healthy and being happy makes them want to come to school."

The school has invested in 42 bicycles for the pupils which include special adaptations such as footclamps, side supports, stabilisers and seatbelts.

Physical activity is also encouraged thanks to a climbing wall, play areas with special surfaces in case of a fall, a ball pool area, hydrotherapy pool and there are plans to build a cycle track in the school grounds next year. Lunchtimes have been extended to encourage pupils to take part in clubs such as running, drumming, music, French, choir, art and craft or walking.

Teachers' health is also catered for thanks to after-school yoga classes and extra in-house training.

Lancashire County Council teacher adviser Barbara Booth said: "The Healthy Schools Programme is all about raising the attainment of pupils and supporting them emotionally.

"A happy child is a healthy child and if they are happy and healthy, both physically and emotionally, then they will achieve more in the classroom."

More than 450 Lancashire schools are working towards gaining Healthy School status as part of Lancashire County Council's Healthy Schools programme.

To gain the status schools must prove they are committed to promoting the whole school ethos, working closely with the community and partnership agencies and can also prove their strength in subjects such as PSHE, citizenship, emotional health and wellbeing, healthy eating or physical activity.