PEEBLES High School pupils are being offered an incentive to have a healthy meal from the canteen on the premises rather than go to a takeaway food outlet.

The school is one of three in the Borders that is piloting a healthy eating campaign aimed at encouraging pupils to eat better quality food and take part in more outdoor activities.

The scheme has been developed by members of Scottish Borders West Youth Voice in partnership with Young Scot, the youth information service for young people aged 11-26, and Scottish Borders Council’s Schools Catering Team.

It works with the existing cashless catering system and means that any young person who purchases a school meal will automatically be awarded Young Scot points which can then be exchanged for positive experiences or outdoor and sporting equipment via the Young Scot website.

The initiative is being trialled in Earlston, Peebles and Selkirk high schools until February 2015. It will then be reviewed and if deemed successful, rolled out to all nine Borders secondary schools.

West Youth Voice member, Jane Lochrie, 17, from Tweedbank, said: “We hope the campaign gains support in the Borders as it is such a great opportunity to encourage healthy eating and a balanced lifestyle. Young Scot is not only a great place to gain rewards and benefit from discounts, but it is also a great information service for young people.” Councillor Vicky Davidson, executive member for culture, sport, youth and communities added: “Well done to the members of Scottish Borders West Youth Voice who have worked hard to make this idea a reality. It’s an exciting and innovative way of encouraging young people to adopt a more healthy lifestyle and I would encourage all pupils at these three high schools to take every advantage of this unique opportunity.” For more information about the campaign visit: www.scotborders.gov.uk/schoolmealrewards. To find out more about Young Scot reward points and how to register a Young Scot Card, visit: www.youngscot.org