AN organisation which provides community healthcare programmes in Keighley has welcomed a £415m cash windfall to help schoolchildren lead healthier lifestyles.

The Government funding can pay for facilities to support physical education, after-school activities and healthy eating.

ABL Health, which runs sessions across the district, said the funding was "excellent news" for schools.

Chief executive, Dr Sheena Bedi, said: "It is essential we give children and young people the best start and this includes providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to live a healthy life.

"The allocation of this funding by the Government is excellent news for schools, as it will enable them to offer an improved package of emotional health and wellbeing, sport, healthy eating and after-school activities – encouraging pupils more than ever before to make exercise and sensible food choices part of their everyday lives and instilling the right behaviours to take into adulthood.

"Measures like this are really important in making a difference to the future health of the country – turning around the major issue of obesity – and in making a positive impact on the financial burden faced by the NHS."

She said the organisation's Food, Activity, Balance (FAB) programme supported families to make sensible food choices and get more active.

"I'd encourage any parents who think their family could benefit from our support to get in touch," she added.

"Our sessions can make a real difference by showing you how small changes to how you eat and exercise can make a huge change to your life."

ABL can be contacted on bradford@ablhealth.co.uk or 01274 299022 or by texting HEALTH to 60777.