Many children will go back to school this month armed with knowledge on healthy eating thanks to a series of summer workshops at Hackney libraries.

The council initiative saw children tucking into fruit salads, learning recipes and playing games related to nutrition at seven events hosted by the Great Grub Club – an education programme from World Cancer Research UK.

Other activities focused on the importance of doing exercise, alongside eating healthily, which can help protect against a variety of common cancers in later life.

Sabrina Maestri of World Cancer Research Fun, said: “It was a great opportunity to work with libraries and provide parents with simple tools they can use with their kids to live a happy healthy life. We wanted to show parents that it’s never too early to help your children.”

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet member for health, social care and culture, said: “Libraries are a wonderful community resource and ideal for events like the Great Grub Club.

“Through our partnership with World Cancer Research Fund the Council has been able to give children and their families opportunities to come together and learn about healthy living and eating in a really fun and interactive way.”