A WIMBORNE school has launched a ground-breaking scheme to help students cope with the stresses of modern life.

Queen Elizabeth's School has opened a teenage life centre - believed to be the first such school-based service in the county.

Advice on health, lifestyles and drug use will be on offer plus professional counselling on issues like bullying, family problems and exam pressure.

The style is informal with young people being encouraged to drop in to the lunchtime sessions for a coffee and a chat.

Students are involved in the management and teachers are not allowed near the drop-in, in a discreet corner of the campus.

Deputy head Chris Russell worked on the scheme for two years - originally with school nurse Sonia Bailey who has since left.

The two visited a similar scheme in a Devon school and decided Queen Elizabeth's would benefit.

"We were very impressed, we saw the value it had for young people," said Chris.

"Students could build up confidence informally in a non-threatening environment.

"Here they feel comfortable, they can have a cup of coffee, pick up some leaflets and gradually pluck up the courage to say 'yes, I do need to talk to somebody about what's going on in my life'.

"Our catchment area is very wide and we'll be hitting an enormous number of students who live in the middle of nowhere who would find it difficult to access services.

"There might be facilities in Wimborne or Verwood but an enormous number of our students couldn't get anywhere near.

"Here they can do it at school in their lunch hour.

"It's also a good example of collaboration with the school, youth workers, health and other professionals working together in partnership.

"It's only been going a few weeks but it's being very well used and we've had some very good feed-back.

"As it goes on, we will look at what the needs are."