A primary school has become part of an elite group in London after receiving a health award.

Rokesly Junior School in Rokesley Avenue, Crouch End, is now only the eighth in the capital to receive the Healthy Schools Award recognising their achievements in supporting the health and wellbeing of their pupils.

The school built a new basketball court, invited a former Olympian to give motivational speeches, changed their school meals supplier and introduced measures such as a walking bus and whole-school exercise warm-ups.

Bola Soneye-Thomas, headteacher at Rokesly Juniors, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the Healthy Schools Gold Award as it is public recognition of our sustained commitment to healthy minds and healthy bodies for both pupils and staff.”

The measures introduced succeeded in increasing the number of children taking part in physical activities at lunchtime from 33 to 75 per cent.

They also led to an 80 percent rise in the number of Year 6 children eating fruit, yoghurt or salad with their lunch.

Cllr Peter Morton, Haringey council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It’s fantastic news that Rokesly Juniors has become the first school in Haringey and one of only a handful in London to win the Healthy Schools’ Gold Award.

“This award, which is testament to the hard work of everyone at Rokesly and the support given by council’s public health team, is a great example of the progress that can be made when we work together to create an environment where the healthiest choice is also the easiest choice.”