THE dangers of drinking too much have been highlighted to primary school children in the area in an effort to encourage them to choose healthier lifestyles.

The year six pupils from Longbarn, Cinnamon Brow, Christ Church and Brook Acre primary schools learned about the risks of drinking as part of a Coalfields Regeneration Trust project.

Not only did they learn about the consequences of drinking on their health, they heard about its effects on society.

Helen Newlove met with the children to discuss the devastating effects that binge drinking can have on other people, as well as on the individual.

“To be able to be involved in such a fantastic project has given me an insight of how children think about alcohol,” said Helen.

She set up the Newlove Foundation following the murder of her husband, Garry, in August 2007, to provide opportunities and activities for teenagers.

“To work on the ground and tell them the impact it has had on our lives and what Newlove Warrington’s aims and projects are about raises awareness that there are other things for them to do without causing harm to themselves or anyone else,” she added.

The children were taking part in Game On, a Coalfields Regeneration Trust project that encourages them to get involved in sport.

As part of it, they have also had football and netball coaching from Padgate High School students, which led to a tournament held at the high school.

The whole initiative has the backing of Newlove Warrington. Kevin Tasker, Game On co-ordinator, said the project has seen more than 130 children learn about dangers of alcohol misuse.

“The support of the various partners involved in the project has been crucial to its success and we are looking to initiate similar projects for the benefit of young people in the future,” he said.