ENGLAND'S chief nurse praised a peer-listening service run by pupils at a St Helens primary school.

During a recent visit to the town, Public Health England's (PHE) chief nurse Viv Bennett called in at Eaves Primary School in Marshalls Cross, and was impressed by a demonstration of the work being done by the peer-listening team.

Viv, who has been PHE's chief nurse since 2012, was welcomed to the school, in Eaves Lane, by headteacher Nicola Kearney and St Helens Council's director of public health Liz Gaulton to meet the Active Ears team.

Active Ears is a scheme run by children in years four, five, and six with the aim of encouraging pupils to talk about issues that may be concerning them. The group also promotes leadership skills, enabling the students involved to grow in confidence.

St Helens Council's cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, Councillor Andy Bowden, who met with Viv earlier in the day, said: "I was delighted to welcome Viv to St Helens and it was very pleasing that she was able to witness firsthand the great work we are doing here, including the Active Ears team at Eaves Primary School.

"Groups like Active Ears show that our schools are more than committed to improving the wellbeing of children in St Helens. I hope this inspires others to follow suit."

Liz Gaulton added: "It's satisfying to be able to share good practice with senior figures in public health like Viv Bennett.

"Our aim is for this to become even better."