A Falmouth school has been praised for its work on encouraging pupils to stay healthy and received an award for their efforts.

Falmouth Primary School received the Healthy School award at a celebratory assembly on Friday for its work encouraging pupils to get involved and think about wider health issues.

As part of the programme pupils also took part in different sports.

Amanda Penna, the school’s healthy school co-ordinator, said: “I’m delighted. It’s only the start of a long road.

“To keep the children healthy and happy makes them better all round children and raises their self of esteem.”

Miss Penna was presented with the award by Jilly Parkinson, a school support worker for Healthy Schools, which is a scheme helping to promote healthier lifestyles in children and schools.

Ms Parkinson said: “We are basically encouraging schools to get the children thinking about all aspects of a healthy lifestyle and equip children to make healthy choices in their lives and in the future.

“It includes everything from safety, drug education, sex education and sun safety through to healthy eating, physical activities and looking at the emotional wellbeing of children and the school as well as the wider school community with staff and parents.”

Assistant head teacher Gill Halsey, said: “I think a lot of hard work has gone into ensuring the children have great awareness of healthy schools and I was proud that they were able to answer the questions from Jilly.”

She added: “It is exceptionally important they understand about making healthy choices and maybe that will be able to stay with them through to adulthood.”