THREE primary schools in Bolton have been rewarded for encouraging pupils to be healthier.

Horwich Parish CE Primary School, Bowness School and Ladybridge have all been awarded Healthy School status.

They were given the Government award after hitting targets of improving pupils' physical and emotional well-being.

Bowness Primary, in Little Lever, introduced a "walking bus" to and from the school each Wednesday to give youngsters exercise. The school also provides a healthy tuck shop and gets pupils involved in a "wake and shake" exercise routine for 15 minutes each day.

Deputy headteacher Julie Stevens said: "It is important to benefit children in the long term, so I am extremely happy we have achieved this award."

Horwich Parish School also provides a healthy tuck shop for pupils and has a quiet area where they can go to discuss any worries.

Headteacher Alan Beedie said: "I am very pleased with the award because I think it reflects the hard work the school council has done."

Ladybridge School incorporated a "nurture room" for the pupils in which they can go and discuss any concerns they may have. The school also has new outdoor play equipment.

Linda Dearden, a Year 2 teacher, said: "We are very pleased about the award.

"The children have been very involved in all the plans and even showed the inspectors round to look at the work we've done."