SCHOOL children in Winchester are to be given a lesson in the importance of a healthy heart.

Following the success of previous projects rolled out at Andover, Bristol and Leeds, charity Heart Research UK is set to launch a project aimed at seven to 11-year-olds teaching them about diet and exercise.

The programme, which will consist of hour-long sessions, will be funded by healthcare provider Simplyhealth and will be delivered by a fully-qualified teacher tying in with the PSHCE curriculum.

Heart Research UK School Speaker Co-ordinator, Sharron Bright said: “We're really excited about the continued delivery of this programme as it will not only help cover many of the programmes of study that schools deliver, it will also reinforce the good lifestyle habits that children should pick up at an early age.

“The programme has been very successfully received in Andover, Leeds and Bristol and we now want to roll out the offer to more areas across the country like Winchester.”

Heart Research UK lifestyle manager, Barbara Dinsdale, said the Simplyhealth funding had allowed the charity to reach an important audience.

She said: “It allows us to deliver another programme of education and awareness of a heart-healthy lifestyle in the Winchester area as well as spreading these messages in schools across the UK.”

Anyone interested in hosting a session should contact Sharron Bright on 0113 2976214 or email schools@heartresearch.org.uk.