AN INITIATIVE aimed at educating children on the importance of preventing infection has kicked off in Bournemouth.

Following on from the success of last year’s project, Nuffield Health Hospital, based on Lansdowne Road, has again teamed up with AFC Bournemouth for its Bug Busters scheme.

Cherries right-back Simon Francis has renewed his position as player ambassador for the programme, which will provide schools in the area with a series of free workshops and interactive football games informing kids how to stop germs and bacteria spreading.

Following the sessions, the children are invited to design a poster reminding visitors to the club’s Vitality Stadium to wash their hands. Last year’s winner Keeley Twinning, whose poster is currently on display at the ground, won a family ticket to watch a game and an opportunity to meet the players.

“The competition was tough last year as the standard of all the posters was very high," said Simon. "I am looking forward to seeing whether we can beat it this year with the quality of our creative entries to come.

“After the success of last year’s scheme, I am pleased to be back on board with Nuffield Health Hospital Bournemouth to help push our important health message out to those schools we didn’t manage to reach previously.”

And Nuffield’s director David McNair said: “We are delighted Simon Francis is pledging his support for our Bug Buster schools project for another year. Who better to engage with and inspire our local school children, many of whom I am sure are big fans of his, regarding our important health initiative?”

Schools interested in finding out more about the sessions are invited to contact Steve Cuss at AFC Bournemouth on 01202 726342, or to contact the hospital’s customer services team on 01202 702830.