SCHOOLS across the district have been given the highest award for promoting a healthy diet by the district council.

Epping Forest Council has awarded six schools, along with a number of other businesses and organisations, the Healthy Eating Gold Award.

Wells Park School and West Hatch High School in Chigwell, Alderton Infant and Junior School, Roding Valley High School and Thomas Willingale School in Loughton, and Theydon Bois Primary School in Theydon Bois, all received the award.

David Lloyd Leisure Centre and Vitalise Jubilee Lodge in Chigwell, Springboard HA at Finch Court Supported Housing in Shelley Ongar, The Olive Tree restaurant in Loughton, and Sir Maxima in Waltham Abbey were also on the winners' list.

Councillor Penny Smith, chair of Epping Forest District Council said: "Award schemes like this one encourage and enable people at a local level to improve their diet, and consequently their health.

"The successful premises had tough criteria to meet and I congratulate them all on their achievements. These premises are at the forefront of producing healthy food choices to their customers.

"I was very pleased to see 4 primary schools included in the list. Good nutrition and a balanced diet are the foundations to helping our children grow up healthy."