STUDENTS at Davenant Foundation School have been educating their peers in the art of healthy living.

A number of pupils at the Loughton school have now qualified as Youth Health Trainers after completing a three day course at St Margaret's Hospital, Epping.

During their course, they learned how to develop a healthy lifestyle with particular attention paid to diet, exercise, and the harmful effects of substances such as cigarettes and alcohol.

The newly qualified trainers put their skills to the test at their school's sports day by setting up their own stand to talk to fellow students about the dangers of smoking and how to tackle peer pressure.

Healthy schools co-ordinator Margaret Lamb said: “Our aim is to help members of the local community make informed choices for a long, healthy life free from illness and pain as far as possible.”