HEALTHY minds are just as important as healthy bodies ­— just ask the youngsters at Beaumont Primary School.

The school staged a special “wellbeing week” to promote mental health awareness among pupils, staff and parents and encourage them to look after themselves in a fun and active way.

The week kicked off with children putting their best foot forward and walking to school with Strider, the mascot for the charity Living Streets, which promotes walking.

Jodie Myers, the PE Leader at Beaumont, said: “It’s been proven that children who do some form of exercise, especially a walk before school, do better in class because they arrive refreshed, fit and ready to learn. Being active for our well-being is very high on the agenda at Beaumont.”

Children also got an opportunity to take part in yoga, football, the daily mile, dancing, cheerleading, gymnastic sessions and other exercises.

Visitors came into school to help lead some of the sessions, including yoga in which children took time out for themselves and learned some moves to help them relax as well as strengthening their bodies.

Year Four pupil Eesa Dean, said “I have loved being extra active at school this week, especially the daily mile.

“I set myself a target to beat my score of running laps around the playground and have improved from 61 laps to 86 today. I’m very proud of myself.”

Olympic medallist Beth Tweddle also visited the school to inspire children and show them the importance of being resilient.

They also enjoyed the great outdoors, making bird feeders, and toasting marshmallows around a campfire.

Children also got out into the community to experience the joy of giving. They baked cakes for local residents and sang at Ladybridge Community Centre.

Pupil Evie Chadwick said: “I really enjoyed going to meet different people, as talking to others is good for everyone’s well-being.

“I even made some people laugh with my stories.”

A local artist, visited two classes and had a day of creative thinking linked with new art techniques to help pupils relax their minds.