WORK to improve the behaviour of disruptive schoolchildren has been hailed a success following major international medical trials carried out in the North-East.

Experts believe the research could persuade thousands of parents to ditch stimulant medication in favour of natural remedies.

More than 120 children, aged between six and 12, who were under-performing in class, took part in the experiment with a cocktail of natural oils.

Researchers working for Durham County Council's education department found the blend of fish oil and evening primrose oil improved the youngsters' concentration and behaviour.

Half of the children were given eye Q - a combination of omega 3 fish oil and omega 6 evening primrose oil - while the other half took a placebo of olive oil, then the treatments were swapped.

The pupils taking part were from varying backgrounds and were selected on the basis of a diagnosis of dyspraxia, many with accompanying conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia.

Findings to be published next week in the leading fatty acid journal PLEFA (Prostagllandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids) indicate that using nutritional intervention may be preferable to stimulant medication.

The Northern Echo exclusively revealed the initial results from the trial back in 2002 - which set out to prove that the recent rise in learning difficulties is caused by changes in diet. The county council's senior educational psychologist, Dr Madeline Portwood, who presented the results at a conference in London, last month, said: "Previous trials have shown some improvements in behaviour for children with ADHD but not to the extent we have observed.

"In particular, boys, who had been very disruptive in class, were able to concentrate for longer without becoming distracted, which is obviously has implications for improved learning."

Andrew Westerman, headteacher of one of the schools taking part in the research, Timothy Hackworth Primary, in Shildon, said: "Children with specific difficulties in the classroom have seen their performance increase."

The study can be viewed at www.durhamtrial.org