A school was visited by one of London's deputy mayors to commend its promotion of good mental health and wellbeing.

Deputy Mayor for education and childcare, Joanne McCartney, visited Hendon School in Golders Rise after they were awarded a Gold Award for their work in the Health School London initiative, promoting good mental health and wellbeing.

Some of the projects brought into Hendon School as part of the initiative include new lessons and mentoring sessions, a Student Voice model to give pupils the chance to give their opinions, and incorporating staff wellbeing champions.

Deputy Mayor McCartney said: "McCartney, said: “To build a healthier future for London we must start with our children and make healthy living a habit, not a chore.

"Hendon School is doing exactly what we want to see more of: learning about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, having a balanced diet and looking after the mental wellbeing of their pupils.

"The teachers and pupils are doing a great job and I congratulate each and every one of them. I want to encourage all of London’s schools to follow in their positive footsteps and sign up to Healthy Schools London."

There are 1,862 schools across the capital registered on the initiative, which also covers physical activity, emotional health and Personal Social Health Education (PSHE).

Hendon School headteacher, Rhona Povey, said: "We are very pleased to welcome the Deputy Mayor to our vibrant and inclusive school. We are so proud of our whole school community and the work that we have done together to improve the health and well-being of everyone.

"The growing recognition of mental health issues and their impact on our young people makes these initiatives invaluable."