PUPILS at an independent school are being encouraged to have more open conversations about their health.

Young people at Mowden Hall School, in Newton, near Stocksfield, were given a presentation by James Gray, a university ambassador for testicular cancer charity The Oddballs Foundation, to talk about the disease - most prominent in males aged 15-49.

James set to break the stigma of talking openly about cancer and why it is important to check yourself.

Headteacher Kate Martin said: “We were delighted to welcome James to Mowden to speak to our children in Years 7 and 8. His talk was informative, helpful and engaging, and the children found the content to be incredibly useful.”

James added: “It was great to visit Mowden Hall School for my first talk to raise awareness of testicular cancer with The OddBalls Foundation.

"The pupils were very engaged and took to the subject in a very mature manner.

"I’m looking forward to ticking off more schools around the North East over the coming year."