MEMBERS of ethnic groups have been training as teachers to pass on essential health messages to their communities.

The teachers will run information sessions in the Stockton area covering a range of health topics.

In the pilot project, funded by the Teesside Health Action Zone, residents will be taught about avoiding heart disease, breast cancer and cervical cancer by someone from their own community.

The 12 community teachers will receive certificates at ceremonies this week.

Project manager Zarda Khan said: "We are delighted with the people who have trained to become community educators and we have arranged the presentations to celebrate their success.

"One aim of the project is to encourage people to be more active, to think about having a healthier diet and to stop smoking, and the best way to get the message across is when it comes from people within their own communities.