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Through the Veggie Run app, the premiership foundation will deliver its own ‘Healthy Hammers’ programme to over half of primary and junior schools – approximately 2,400 children - in the borough.

This will further encourage healthy eating and teach pupils of its benefits.

Joseph Lyons, West Ham United Foundation chief executive, said: “We are delighted to partner with Havering Council and support the Veggie Run app, a ground-breaking initiative that we believe will be of great benefit to schoolchildren in the heart of West Ham United’s local community.

“The West Ham United Foundation is working with more than half of the primary and junior schools in Havering through this ‘Healthy Hammers’ partnership programme, to encourage and promote healthy eating among children.

“The Ccub's recently-launched Players’ Project will ensure that this programme gets the support it deserves. We look forward to seeing it grow and develop in the coming months, to make a real positive difference to the lives of schoolchildren throughout Havering.”

To mark the launch, 10 local primary schoolchildren visited West Ham United stadium where they met players Xande Silva and Angelo Ogbonna in their new Veggie Run x WHU ‘home kits’ this week (14 November).

Councillor Robert Benham, children’s services, learning and education, added: “At a time when councils nationally are facing a childhood obesity epidemic, it is great to see Havering at the forefront of innovation with Veggie Run and the West Ham United Foundation.

“Creating council partnerships with a premiership football foundation supports our boroughs proactive approach to educating children about the importance of healthy living.

“Our aim is to reduce the number of children eating unhealthy packed lunches and increase opportunities for them to access sporting activities.”