A SCHOOL managed to take advantage of their annual workshop from a life education bus - after two rotary clubs stepped in to help with funding.

St Mary's Primary School were due to enjoy a two day visit from Life Education Wessex (LEW) last week, but had to cancel as a lack of fundraising meant they could not afford the fees. But after being contacted by LEW, Brit Valley Rotary Club and Bridport Rotary Club came forward to help out the school with costs.

The programme highlights the dangers of substance abuse and the health risk to school pupils across the south west. The children were introduced to Eddie Murphy and Harold the giraffe - who helped get the important health messages across.

Bob Jukes, president of the Rotary Club of Bridport, said: "I didn't initially realise that this sort of thing happens in primary schools, but I think it is incredibly important to educate from such a young age.

"Unfortunately the school initially had to cancel it this year. They usually rely on funding from parents. But we joined forces with Brit Valley Rotary and decided to help them out this year."

Through their annual visits to the Life Education mobile classrooms, young children gain the skills and knowledge to make their own healthy choices in life.

The benefits of this preventative education do not just help the children who participate but it is hoped those children who make the right healthy choices will become better citizens.

"I was so impressed with the workshop" added Mr Jukes. "It was not just about educating and telling children of the dangers, but it was done in the right format so the young children were engaged.

"The people from the Life Education Bus even said how amazed they were that children had remembered so much from last year - which just shows how successful programmes like this can be.

"We looked at it and thought it was a worthwhile thing to be involved with. This is something new for us as it's a completely new experience working with the youngsters at the school. A lot of the pupils come from the Skilling area, so some will have been exposed to the dangers of alcohol and drugs at a young age, so it is important they see what substance abuse can do to their bodies."

Professor Lord Robert Winston from Life Education Wessex, said: "LEW is a specialist charity provider of high quality health and drugs prevention to almost 60,000 children in Devon, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset - helping to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to lead healthier and happier lives.

"Education for children at an early stage is vital to help them adopt the right healthy habits."