THE Buckland Newton Primary School was among the first in Dorset to get a healthy schools award and now has a plaque to prove it.

The school incorporated a healthy approach to all areas of school life including exercise, outdoor activities, safety and healthy eating.

Mike Hillary, who is a school improvement inspector with Dorset County Council, presented the award at the 102-pupil village school.

He said: "It is a credit to all the hard work put in by pupils, teachers, teaching assistants, governors and parents to ensure that the children develop healthier lifestyles now and in the future."

Alison Chant, who is the school's healthy schools co-ordinator, said: "The award celebrates our ongoing commitment to the teaching and learning of key life skills through curriculum activities, lunchtime clubs and weekly school council meetings.

"The children feel they are truly valued members of our whole school community."

Headteacher Nicola Ralph said: "The award was for the whole school, the pupils, staff, parents, governors and our many volunteers.

"The Healthy Schools agenda is embedded in everything we do and has a huge impact on social, emotional and physical skills as well as academic achievement."