Batting from a water wicket

23/11/2004

Two North East businesses are batting together to encourage children to lead a healthy life.

Northumbrian Water and Durham County Cricket Club  have gone back to their school days by taking part in a school assembly at Whitburn Village Primary School, near Sunderland, to raise awareness of the importance of drinking water, eating healthily and keeping fit through cricket.

The assembly was a special event for one of the school’s eight-year-old pupils, Jenny Hastings, who has won a competition run by the water company and cricket club.  Jenny was presented with her prize - a family day out at Kielder Winter Wonderland (Northumberland’s Lapland!).

England under 17’s cricketer, Luke Anderson, was on hand to do a speed test with the children, measuring how fast they can bowl.

Water workers pitched in to encourage children to drink more water by explaining the benefits.  They also talked about the cycle of one of life’s necessities and how everyone can conserve water in day-to-day life.

John Mowbray, Northumbrian Water’s Head of Communications, said:  “Water is vital for health and through events like this we can encourage children to drink more water and also make them think about being healthy in all aspects of their lives from an early age.  We should all try and drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day!”

Durham County Cricket Club Chief Executive, David Harker, commented:  "The Club is always looking for new ways to promote cricket in the region and healthy living in general.  In this case we are particularly pleased to have worked in association with Northumbrian Water in spreading a message to young people that is especially important.  We hope that Jenny and her family enjoy their visit to Kielder."

For further information please contact Cara Hall, Northumbrian Water, on 0191 301 6720.

Notes for Editors
Kielder Winter Wonderland is Northumbrian Water’s very own Lapland in Northumberland, created at Kielder Water – for further information log onto www.nwl.co.uk/winterwonderland.