MINERAL water from North Yorkshire is now being given to pupils and patients.

Harrogate Spa Water is now available in hospitals throughout England and Wales and in schools in Yorkshire and Lancashire following the signing of two prestigious new contracts.

The company will be producing 1.4 million bottles a year for the NHS and Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation, the purchasing and supply service for local authorities based along the M62 corridor.

The NHS deal will see 330ml, 500ml and 1.5 litre bottles of Harrogate Spa Water sold on ward trolley services and in staff restaurants. Also, in 3,000 primary and secondary schools, students will be able to buy 500ml bottles from canteens, tuck shops, breakfast clubs and vending machines.

Paul Martin, managing director of Harrogate Spa Water, said: "We are proud to have won contracts with such highly-regarded organisations - our first in the health and education channels - and welcome the opportunity to raise the profile of Harrogate Spa Water among a wider audience.

"Keeping hydrated boosts energy levels and sharpens concentration, which can only benefit the students, patients and medical staff who will be drinking our water."

Richard Hatherly, manager of the YPO food division, said: "Schools are encouraging pupils to drink more water as part of a healthier lifestyle. We've seen a big increase in the number of schools taking bottled water and anticipate demand will continue to rise in line with growing concern over the increase in obesity."

Updated: 09:49 Tuesday, June 22, 2004