Schoolchildren from across Staffordshire gathered to receive national awards in recognition of their efforts to live healthy lives.

Pupils and staff from 18 of the county’s schools celebrated achieving national Healthy Schools Status at a ceremony at the County Buildings in Stafford. All Staffordshire schools have signed up to the long-term initiative which aims to boost youngsters’ health and achievement.

So far, more than 200 of the county’s schools have gained the status, with the rest still working hard to achieve it.

The Healthy Schools programme recognises the achievement of schools in four areas – personal, social and health education; healthy eating and drinking; physical activity; and emotional health and well-being. Schools receiving recognition this week included St Austin’s Catholic Primary and St John’s Church of England Primary, both in Stafford, Cooper Perry Primary in Seighford, Churchfield Primary in Rugeley, King Edward VI School in Lichfield, Brindley Heath Junior School in Kinver, Thomas Alleynes High School in Uttoxeter and St Peter’s Church of England Primary in Yoxall.

Staffordshire County Council deputy leader Councillor Robert Simpson said: “This is a wonderful achievement for everyone involved.

“These schools have shown that they have invested in being healthy and are dedicated to ongoing improvement and development in this area.” Head of environment Howard Thomas opened the awards ceremony and presented awards to Stafford schools, then the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Colonel Michael Beatty CBE presented the rest of the awards.

l Pictured at the ceremony are, back left to right, Councillor Robert Simpson, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Colonel Michael Beatty CBE and head of environment Howard Thomas, with St Austin’s Catholic Primary pupils Gabriel Christelow, aged eight, and Alice Kelly, aged 10, St John’s CE Primary Year 5 pupils Mary Trimmer and Anthony Jones, and Cooper Perry pupils Ellie Squires and Jacob Raine, both aged six.