A Basildon school has been earmarked to pilot a pioneering Health initiative from Ohio in America.

Heart rate monitors would be used by secondary school pupils to learn about their own bodies and stop them smoking, drinking or taking drugs in the future.

The monitor test results would be used as topic material for other subjects including science, music, maths, computer science and home economics.

Parents of Year Seven pupils at the yet-to-be-named school, are being consulted at the moment about the scheme, being set up by a partnership which includes; Thameside Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Basildon Council, Basildon police and Basildon District Drugs Reference Groups.

Its success rate across the Atlantic is sure to impress - in the five years it has been running in Ohio only two youngsters have been excluded for smoking and none for drugs.

Other schools will carry out their own health and fitness tests using questionnaires, which will again be used to promote learning activities in other subjects.

All other secondary schools in Basildon are being offered a health roadshow as part of the scheme called Hoops for Health initiative.

Basketball team the London Leopards will be working with Basildon schools by holding special assemblies and training sessions in a bid to get youngsters to take up basketball and become more physically active.

It follows their extensive work with Thurrock schools, which will continue.

Andy Broughton of Thameside Community Health trust, said: "They give out a strong message which is anti-drugs, healthy lifestyle, anti-alcohol and tobacco.

"They will also be working with PE teachers to teach them more about basketball which is the fastest growing sport in the UK."

An official launch of Hoops for Health will be held on October 15.

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