A CHILDREN'S centre is backing the campaign to 'Swap the Pop'.

Parr Children's Centre in Ashton's Green Drive has had a water-only policy for a number of years and nursery manager Claire Roche is pleased to see the message is now going out to older children too.

Claire, who has worked at the centre for six years, says fruit juice and fizzy drinks are strictly off the menu and their children, aged from one to four, can only drink water or milk.

She said: "Water keeps them hydrated and is better for teeth and general health.

"Some parents say their child won't drink water and that we have to give their child juice or they won't drink - but they come to collect their child and are amazed to see them drinking water from a sippy cup.

"Some children fill up on juice and it affects their appetite so they won't eat. Water goes better with meals."

She added: "It's good to get the message across early - if they don't drink sugary things when they are small then they won't develop the taste.

"The swap the pop campaign has got parents talking.

"It's good to reinforce the message with older school children as sugary drinks affect behaviour too.

"And parents should set a good example too - by drinking water with children at mealtimes."

The Star and St Helens Council's public health team have joined forces for the campaign.

Log on to sthelens.gov.uk/SwapThePop and pledge your support for the challenge.