SCHOOLS in Cheshire East received a pot of more than £200,000 from the new sugar tax to help improve youngsters’ health.

At the full Cheshire East Council meeting on Thursday, Cllr Jos Saunders, cabinet member for children and families, confirmed that the area received £213,000 from the levy – which was introduced in April.

Fourteen schools bid for the funding, with grants ranging from £5,000 to £21,000 being awarded.

Cllr Saunders said the funding has gone towards projects including a new multi-use games area (MUGA) at Elworth Primary School, the resurfacing of Goostrey Primary School’s playground, and a refurbished dining hall at Alderley Edge Primary School.

“It does have an impact,” she said.

“Obviously that contributes to our young children being able to enjoy sport, running around, contributing to their own mental and physical health.

“This is a levy that is worth having. It is a grant which I would urge all maintained schools to take part in in future.”