A DROP-IN facility which aims to improve the health and general well-being of schoolchildren has been opened.

The Health Zone is a project designed to help youngsters from West Cornforth Primary School learn about all aspects of health and access emotional support around any issues that concern them.

The project has been formed from a partnership consisting of the school, Cornforth Partnership, Primary Care and Cornforth Medical Service.

Karen Lynn, of Cornforth Partnership, said: "The Health Zone is a dedicated site within the primary school and has been designed by young people for young people.

"It has an informal and friendly atmosphere and offers the opportunity for children from years five and six to learn about health issues and to have fun."

The Health Zone has an activity room for everyone and a small, relaxing room where pupils can access one-to-one support on issues concerning them, for example bullying.

Mrs Lynn said: "Everyone at the Health Zone feels it is extremely important to offer an accessible service that will help young people develop and a safe place for them to talk."

The facility is staffed on a voluntary basis by a youth worker from the partnership, teaching staff from the school and nurses from the surgery, who will be holding a series of health topics.

The Mayor of Sedgefield Councillor George Gray, opened the Health Zone yesterday.

It will be open to children on Monday and Thursday lunchtimes, but the partnership is hoping to obtain extra funding to extend the opening hours.