Free milk given to 3,000 pupils

The healthy eating project started four years ago in Newcastle's East End

Children living in deprived areas across Newcastle are being given fresh, organic milk in the classroom.

Up to 3,000 primary students at 10 schools are benefiting from the scheme, set up by the charity, East End Health in Byker.

Jamie Sadler, head of the project, said it was vital youngsters learned the importance of establishing a healthy diet.

It is funded by Newcastle City Council and the local PCT.

Mr Sadler said: "We set up the food division of the charity about four years ago, where we looked at encouraging a healthy diet amongst students across Newcastle.

"By providing fruit and organic milk for the youngsters it will hopefully encourage them to keep up a healthy lifestyle from an early age."