An inventive drama workshop helped teach junior school children how to avoid the dangers of drugs.

Staged at Winter Gardens Junior School in Hilton Road, Canvey, by the London Bus Company theatre group, it went down a storm.

Drug warnings - Katherine Austiney, of the London Bus Company theatre group, with pupils during the Canvey drama workshop Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Headteacher Mike Blant said: "The children were very actively involved doing drama and all sorts of role play about peer pressure to give them an idea about how to say No.

"It was not a programme designed to teach children what's out there. It was more a case of how you treat things when they come your way, and taking responsibility for what you put into your body - whether it's medicines, alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

"It was dealt with very sensitively. I wouldn't want parents to get the impression it was telling children about cocaine.

"It was not about that, but about how you look after yourself and make proper informed decisions."

The workshop, sponsored by BP at Coryton, was designed for pupils of all ages.

Published Thursday, May 22, 2003

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