The town's food partnership achieved the bronze and silver awards in 2017 and 2019 and today launched its bid to meet gold criteria for the good of everyone in Middlesbrough.

Mayor Preston visited the Eco Shop and community growing area at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School in Pallister Park on Wednesday to help launch the campaign.

He met pupils, staff and parents who've been learning about healthy eating and food preparation.

Mayor Preston is supporting 22 Carrot Gold, with the drive for a fairer and more sustainable food system also a key strand of the Council's Green Strategy.

Mayor Preston said: "With the support of many brilliant organisations I'm 100% committed to making Middlesbrough a hunger-free town.

"We're also committed to making sure that people get the support and advice they need to make healthier and more sustainable food choices.

"Protecting the planet by tackling climate change is key to my vision for Middlesbrough."

The work towards gold recognition will support the town's economy and help the most disadvantaged, the food partnership believes.

Partnership Chair Richard Skelton said: "Our partnership is recognised nationally as being ahead of the game in terms of supporting people to eat healthily for the good of the environment.

"We want Middlesbrough to be a place where everyone can eat good quality, healthy food that is easy to buy and offers value for money.

"The Council and other institutions across the town are taking action to make food healthier and more sustainable. We are calling on residents, visitors, schools, cafes, restaurants, shops and caterers to all play their part too.

"Every action counts so please let us know (via social media and our website www.goodfoodMbro.org.uk ) and join others in turning these actions into gold."

The partnership has published useful top 10 tips for individuals, businesses and schools to demonstrate how small actions can contribute to considerable change.

It is asking people to submit examples of the changes they are making to help make a healthier and more sustainable food system.

Middlesbrough has 25 Eco Shops across the town, supporting people to access affordable food and fight food waste at the same time.

Trish Connor, Family Engagement Officer at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School, has been working to recruit and train parents to help manage the school's Eco Shop.

During a visit to Corpus Christi, Mayor Preston presented each of the volunteers with food hygiene certificates.

The Eco Shop has proved a big hit with parents, and the school is hoping to offer some of its own home-grown produce in the shop.

Pupils also spoke to the mayor about their involvement in the project and how their own business 'Extra Time' - which involves recycling football boots - is also helping to reduce landfill and support their local community.

Trish said: "We opened our Eco Shop up last week with the help of parent volunteers, and it's been a great success so far.

"It's open to everyone, things are difficult for everybody at the moment and many of those who use the eco shop are working.

"It's not just about being able to provide the produce at a reasonable cost, which is important, but it's also looking at us as a school and a community, and making a contribution towards reducing food waste."

• For more information on 22 Carrot Gold and how you can get involved, visit the Middlesbrough Food Partnership's website.