A PROJECT which helps children to make healthy choices has received a welcome boost from a local business.

Purbeck children will benefit from the Magnox social-economic scheme which is supporting the work of Life Education Wessex.

Magnox runs the former nuclear site in Winfrith.

It has supported Life Education Wessex with a donation towards the purchase of a new ‘Harold’ giraffe puppet and an iPad for the mobile classroom that visits schools around the Magnox Winfrith site.

Harold the Giraffe works with young children to make positive health choices.

It works with 50,000 children each year.

Life Education Wessex uses its mobile classrooms to deliver vital health, wellbeing and drug prevention education to 230 primary schools.

The aim is to equip children and young people with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence to make informed healthy decisions for themselves through early intervention education.

Naomi Evans, educator at Life Education Wessex, said: "The children are loving the new Harold. For the younger years he is softer and more approachable.

"I have been surprised how much the older children have adapted to him; they love styling his hair.

“For me the use of the iPad and iPod means we can provide a more seamless programme and add to the ‘magic’ of the mobile classroom. Thanks so much Magnox."

For younger children, topics include healthy eating, the importance of exercise, sleep and personal hygiene.

As the children get older, topics including the risks associated with the use of drugs, alcohol and smoking are looked at.

Sharon Buckland, headteacher at Lulworth and Winfrith Primary School, said: “Life Education Wessex, otherwise known by the children and parents as ‘Harold’ and the Life Bus visits our school every year, children adore ‘Harold’ the Giraffe puppet and really look forward to learning about their bodies and what they need to do to keep themselves healthy.

“Having the iPad and iPod in the classroom has made a real difference to the programme delivery and the children really enjoyed working with the new Harold puppet."

For more details about the work of Life Education Wessex please contact Lorraine Hewitt on lorraine@lifeeducatonwessex.org.uk or visit www.lifeeducationwessex.org.uk