A YORK school has embarked on a three-year fitness drive in an attempt to win a national health award.

Poppleton Road Primary School devoted a week to the theme of "healthy bodies" to kick off its effort to win the Healthy Schools Award given by the Department of Health and the Department for Education.

During the week, the school embarked on a dozen different activities to highlight the importance of all aspects of health to young people.

Reception class teacher and event organiser David Kirkbride said: "The week marked the beginning of a long journey for the school to really improve the health of the whole school - pupils and staff alike.

"It was a great start to the scheme. It got a fantastic response from all the staff and parents, with everyone really keen to make this a success."

The week featured a focus on healthy eating, with cookery demonstrations, followed by dental hygiene sessions. Visits to an Asda supermarket and the Selby sewage works completed the picture for the children.

Sports were popular, especially The Big Shape Up Challenge arranged in conjunction with Livingwell Health Club as a sponsored event to raise money for sports equipment.

The school also wants to improve aspects of mental health, to combat problems such as stress and bullying.

The campaign will now continue with a series of events to try to achieve the national award.

But Mr Kirkbride is not just organising the healthy activities - he is also getting involved in a much more practical sense.

He will tackle the gruelling London Marathon later this month to raise money for the school.

He said: "For a number of years there has been an area of land set aside for outdoor play for young children, but it is hazardous and needs resurfacing.

"I will be running the London Marathon to raise much-needed funds to begin the resurfacing project.

"It will benefit not only the children of today, but also those for many years to come."

Potential sponsors are asked to phone Poppleton Road School on 01904 798789 and speak to Kate or Celia for more details.

Updated: 09:11 Wednesday, April 02, 2003