YORK pupils have added their voice to our Community Pride campaign at a major conference in the city.

This week secondary school students made their nominations for our Community Pride awards at the Healthy Schools day, organised by City of York Council.

Coun Carol Runciman, executive member for education, said: "We were looking at people who deserve community pride awards.

"They were suggesting groups, churches, Brownie groups. It was great fun - they all joined in enthusiastically."

The conference was held in line with the national Healthy Schools drive - an effort to beat soaring child obesity rates. Government research shows that despite drives for healthy eating, youngsters continue to eat "junk food" at school, and councils are stressing the need for policies that will promote a better lifestyle for youngsters.

Coun Runciman said: "We are all worried about children putting on too much weight and not walking to school when they could."

To reinforce the message, the day was held at Next Generation gym in Hull Road, where school pupils were able to try out bikes, body combat and yoga, as well as taking part in workshops, including cycle safety and the dangers of drugs and alcohol. They then enjoyed a healthy lunch, including vegetable kebabs, dips, and tortilla wraps.

Coun Ann Reid, executive member for planning and transport, was also on hand to hear the teenagers' views on the issues that will shape the local transport plan.

Jenny Philpott, City of York Council's healthy schools scheme officer, said: "The day promotes active citizenship among young people, from them having their say in the local transport plan to actively engaging in aspects of York Community Pride."

She said: "This event has been organised by the students from Huntington Secondary School, who should be praised for their efforts."

In North Yorkshire, county council bosses have sent out a school meals newsletter to parents, giving advice about what kind of foods to eat and how to achieve a healthy and balanced diet.

Updated: 11:23 Wednesday, July 14, 2004