Former Olympic athlete takes part in free school dinner scheme

Cram put around 150 children from 15 primary schools across the county through their paces with a short fun run at the Riverside Cricket Ground, in Chester-le-Street. They also tucked into some healthy school meals, got involved in a cooking demonstration and watched a drama about the importance of healthy eating performed by students from Shotton Hall School. Cram, who is supporting the campaign to encourage children to take up school meals, said: "I'm delighted to support this campaign in County Durham. It will give thousands of children the chance to enjoy a free healthy meal, which will not only help to make them fitter and stronger but will also help them to perform better in the classroom." Coun Claire Vasey, cabinet member for children and young people's services at Durham County Council, added: "We know that children who eat a healthy and balanced diet are more likely to be fit and healthy, which in turn will help their performance at school." Over the next two academic years every primary school pupil in County Durham will get free school meals as part of a Government pilot scheme. The scheme currently involves 244 schools and will benefit up to 30,000 children. It is being jointly funded by central government, Durham County Council and NHS County Durham and fully supported by Taylor Shaw, the main catering contractor for County Durham primary schools.