SCHOOLS are being encouraged to apply for funding to "improve emotional and mental health through physical activity".

All primary, secondary and special needs schools in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole have until November 5 to apply for the cash from Public Health Dorset.

The precisely-named 'Emotional and Mental Health Wellbeing Through Physical Activity Fund' is designed to allow schools to choose how much they want to apply for and what the funding will go towards.

The team is looking for ideas which go beyond just adding to PE equipment and sports clubs.

Successful bids will be those "that take a whole school approach with creative ideas that can be built into the school day", the body says.

"This type of fund is a first for Dorset," said Councillor Rebecca Knox, Dorset County Council leader and chairman of the Dorset health and wellbeing board.

"There are no rules as such to what this money can be spent on apart from that it must be towards improving emotional and mental health and wellbeing in schools through physical activity.

"There may be a project that is already in place in your school and you want to develop it further or a brand new project that your school wants to introduce.

"The possibilities are endless and I can’t wait to see the innovative schemes that are submitted and developed."

For more information visit publichealthdorset.org.uk/whole-school-approach