TIDWORTH area schools which have gone above and beyond to improve the health and wellbeing of their pupils have been recognised at a special event.

Five schools in the Tidworth area recently completed Wiltshire Council's Healthy Schools Programme and attended a celebration event to collect a special plaque marking their achievements.

The programme accredits schools that show how they effectively support the health and wellbeing of their pupils and to be accredited, schools need to meet certain standards based on local and national priorities.

Schools can work towards bronze, silver or gold levels to achieve Wiltshire Healthy Schools status.

At the celebration event at Wellington Academy, Castle Primary School, Ludgershall, Clarendon Infants School, Clarendon Junior School, Collingbourne CofE Primary School and The Wellington Academy gained bronze Healthy Schools accreditation.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Laura Mayes said: “I’m pleased to see so many schools are involved in this important programme which promotes the health and wellbeing of our pupils in exciting ways which inspire the children to be involved.

“I’d like to congratulate all the schools for achieving these awards for their commitment and innovation which has made their programmes a success.”

Chris Williams, chairman of Tidworth Area Board, which funded the schools' participation in the programme, said: “As an area board we thought it was important to help fund this important work. The schools have used innovative ways to implement this in their schools and inspire the children. I’m very pleased so many have achieved this level and congratulations to all involved.”

Andy Bridewell, headteacher of Ludgershall Castle Primary said: “I know I speak for all the other headteachers in our cluster when I say how much we appreciate our schools’ involvement in the Healthy Schools initiative.

"We all know that a child's education isn't just about developing academic skills; learning about healthy life styles from an early age is more likely to have a positive impact, not just for the children, but for their families as well, and the structure provided by 'Healthy Schools' ensures that many pupils and their families benefit.”

For more information, go to wiltshirehealthyschools.org/about.