STUDENTS across West Somerset will be able to get healthier and fitter thanks to the Somerset County Council led Healthy Schools Plus programme.

Schools across the area have already achieved National Healthy Schools Status by showing they promote learning and healthy lifestyle choices to give young people the best start in life.

The programme will help schools build on the progress made to meet healthy status.

Clare Laker, Somerset County Council’s healthy schools coordinator, said: “This is about broadening and deepening the great work that schools are already doing.

“The healthy schools programme is already well established across Somerset, resulting in children and young people who are happier and healthy, and better prepared for learning and life.”

The Healthy Schools Plus programme is being funded by Somerset PCT and 50% of schools are hoped to be involved within three years.

Michelle Hawkes, Somerset PCT Public Health Specialist, said: “We have seen a local and national rise in levels of obesity and the associated ill health and premature death it causes must be tackled now.

“The Healthy Schools Plus programme is an essential part of the effort to improve the health of the young and give them the knowledge they need to make healthy choices each and every day of their lives.”

The programme is based around personal, social and health education; healthy eating; physical activity; and emotional health and wellbeing.

Cllr Gloria Cawood, portfolio holder for education, added: “The success of the Healthy Schools programme is down to the hard work of pupils, parents, governors and of course staff who are delivering this valuable work in communities across the County.

“Somerset County Council wants to give all young people the best possible start in life and I am sure that schools will embrace this chance to take this work even further.”