SCHOOL pupils have been banned from drinking pop as part of a project to improve their health.

Queen's Park Technology, in Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, will lack a bit of fizz at break times after concerns over harmful flavourings and additives prompted the move.

Coke, Irn-Bru, Lemonade, Doctor Pepper, Ribena and Vimto are off the shelves -- instead pupils' tastebuds will be tantalised with the less glamorous but more healthy milk, bottled water and fruit juice.

The ban has been imposed for a month-long pilot to see how the children react.

Queen's Park is the first school in Blackburn with Darwen to ban soft drinks. Students and staff had complained about the lack of healthy options and that the pop was damaging their teeth and overall nutrition.

Councillor Dorothy Walsh, lead member for education and life long learning at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "This is for the on-going well-being of the children and will be good for them.

"It's another way of getting them into healthy eating.

"It's all about giving nutritional advice to the children and showing them that there are alternatives to the fast food things they tend to have."

The school is working with the NHS to organise further initiatives for the whole of the family.

A healthy lifestyle course for the parents to get into shape is to take place once a week.

This costs £10 for six sessions and will cover stress and weight management, quitting smoking and healthy eating.

To book call Lynette Banister on 01254 505707.