A BUS designed for health has started its journey around Suffolk today.

A BUS designed for health has started its journey around Suffolk today.

The Healthy Ambitions Suffolk bus invited everyone to get on board when it drove out of Thurleston High School in Ipswich yesterday.

The bus will offer teenagers across the county all the help and inspiration they need to follow a healthier lifestyle, including showing them what they will look like 30 years in the future.

The project will give pupils from schools across the county the chance to climb on board the specially-branded bus and take part in a host of activities to illustrate the simple steps they can take towards improving their long-term health.

They can also try their hand at making healthy drinks at the smoothie bar, as well as recording their own health pledges in a “Big Brother” style video pod.

It is hoped around 3,000 11 to 16-year-olds will take part during the two-week project, which will see the bus tour 14 schools.

Sally Hogg, head of health improvement partnerships with NHS Suffolk, said: “This innovative project will take the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk message directly into our schools to encourage and inspire young people to take small steps towards living a healthier lifestyle.

“The bus's route has been drawn up to cover some of our areas of highest need so that we can target the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk message in the places where it will have most impact.

“We hope we can show these pupils that by making healthy food choices and taking more exercise, they can reap the health benefits long into the future.”

What should be done to make Suffolk children healthier? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.