PUPILS from the most healthy schools in Hull have been praised for adopting a positive lifestyle.

Almost 95 per cent of Hull schools have now gained National Healthy School Status – compared with 74 per cent nationally.

The scheme aims to encourage healthy eating, physical activity and good emotional health and well-being.

Youngsters at city schools which have achieved the status since November 2007 celebrated their achievements at a ceremony at the KC stadium yesterday.

Each brought a tile they had decorated in the theme of healthy eating, that were then put together to make a mosaic.

The Lord Mayor of Hull and Admiral of the Humber Councillor Elaine Garland presented pupils with healthy schools plaques to take back to their schools.

Allison Cockerill, health in schools programme manager for Hull City Council, said: "By signing up to this programme, these schools are saying they are committed to promoting the health and well-being of young people, raising attainment, improving behaviour and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

"There are 41 different criteria in four categories. They have to have all these different things are in place.

"If you teach children at a young age, they are more likely to carry it on through their lives."

Anita Gladwin is headteacher at Ainthorpe Primary School, west Hull, which has 'healthy' status.

She said: "We're big believers that children should be healthy because it has such a big impact on their lives.

"We believe school is the firm foundation for promoting health.

"This award means a lot to the children. It's a lovely thing for them to come to the stadium and know they are representing their school."

The scheme is run the Department For Children, Schools And Families and the Department of Health and aims to reach schools across the country.