A WARBURTONS worker who has taught children how to live a healthy lifestyle for more than a decade has been recognised with a national award.

Ruth Sloan, who is based at the Bolton firm's Hereford Street site, was honoured as part of the National Corporate Social Responsibility awards, for her role in leading the bakers' School Visitors programme across the North West.

She has visited schools across the region since April 2005, delivering workshops to primary school classes which introduce children to the basics of cookery and the importance of a healthy and balanced diet.

The scheme also aims to cut childhood obesity by changing eating habits at an early age, with statistics showing that almost one fifth of children in England leaving primary school in Year 6 are classed as obese.

The project claimed victory in the awards' nutritional and health awareness category.

As part of her work, Ruth has visited delivered classes to more than 1,600 children at 53 schools across the North West, including in Bolton, as well as Manchester, Salford, Oldham, Rochdale, Wigan and Tameside.

In addition, 20 other school visitors across the country were recognised for the work they do in their respective areas of the country.

Ruth said: "We’re delighted that the Warburtons School Visitors programme has, once again, been recognised at a national level.

"Primary schools across the North West have embraced the initiative demonstrating their commitment to educating children about food and nutrition from a young age.

"We are passionate about adding value to school lessons, ensuring children have the knowledge and skills to pursue a healthy lifestyle. We are looking forward to delivering more classes to children across the North West over the next academic year."

The School Visitors Programme is delivered across Britain by 22 members of staff, who are all employed by Warburtons, which was first established in Bolton in the 1870s.

In the 2014-2015 academic year, more than 1,000 workshops were delivered to more than 28,000 children.