Bradford-based Education Contract Services earned a Caroline Walker Trust award earlier this month for its pro-active, whole-school approach to healthy eating at more than 200 schools across northern England.

Initiatives introduced by ECS at schools in Cumbria and Northumberland as well as West Yorkshire include teaching pupils about fruit and vegetables and using healthy-eating reward schemes whereby pupils accrue points to get free sports equipment or swimming sessions.

Key to its success are self-imposed guidelines on healthy eating and food promotion to children in place for 20 years ñ well ahead of official government action on the issue ñ ECS business development manager Roger Sheard told the press.

The organisation also works to source food locally where possible and teaches food hygiene and preparation as well as playing an active role on school councils and parent groups.