Children given toolkit for healthy eating

Children in Penzance planted vegetables to launch the project in Cornwall

A new initiative has been launched to boost the health and wellbeing of children in Cornwall.

The Healthy Schools Toolkit, which aims to promote healthy living, has been rolled out across the county.

As part of the launch, Heamoor Primary School in Penzance held an event where pupils and local volunteers made raised beds and planted vegetables.

Joanne Bradbury, assistant headteacher, said: "Some of our children don't get access to lots of green spaces so this for us is really important."

Joanne Bradbury, assistant head teacher, was involved in the planting

Health bosses said the project was about teaching children a variety of things including nutrition, dental health, physical activity, and emotional health and wellbeing.

A number of community partners and businesses are working with families and Cornwall Council on the scheme.

Craig Manclark, of Healthy Cornwall, said: "It's so important to understand where food comes from, the importance of eating healthily and being involved together to create those healthy meals within the school."

Graeme Plunkett, who works in Cornwall Council's education and community health department, said: "It's about children getting outdoors, understanding nature and where food comes from.

"But in the bigger picture it's all part of our mission at Cornwall Council that Cornwall is a great place to be a child and grow up."

Lucy Walsh, a public health specialist at Cornwall Council, said: "We know there's overwhelming evidence that when schools, pre-schools and nurseries are providing that environment, that our children benefit."