Workshops highlighting the dangers of drugs and alcohol are to be given to children as young as ten in a bid to prevent dependant behaviour.

The Wimbledon Civic Theatre Trust (WCTT), a charity which helps disadvantaged children through performing arts-based projects, will be using drama to teach children about drugs and alcohol.

The charity will be touring nine schools this summer as part of their newly launched KICKING project.

An interactive play and workshop will target year 6 and 7 children with the aim of helping them recognise the triggers of dependent behaviour and how to deal with it.

Mike Rappolt, chairman of the WCTT said: "Some may feel that introducing these themes to year 6 and 7 students is too much too young, but we have deliberately targeted this intervention on these students as they are in process of making the transition from primary to secondary school.

"We hope that this will make a real impact on student behaviour around many potentially unhealthy activities, such as gambling, gaming and food addiction, as well as being a creative and enjoyable theatrical experience."

If the pilot project is successful, the WCTT will run a full tour of Merton schools in 2014.

For more information visit wctt.org.uk