Primary school pupils in the Pembroke area recently learnt about the effects of drugs and how to resist the temptations that can lead to them trying illicit substances, with all the risks that entail. The pupils also learnt about the harmful effects of smoking and excessive drinking.

In a week-long series of events, very generously sponsored by Valero Pembroke Refinery and held in the 'Pembroke' family of primary schools, Year 6 pupils were encouraged to learn by role play and discussion. This was led by Gill Dowsett, Hannah Rackham, Angelika Trawnitsschek, Susan Wattes-Barnes and Dominic Busher. of Theatr Fforwm Cymru.

The annual event was organised by the Rotary Club of Pembroke in an effort to help children handle the inevitable pressures and temptations that face them when they go to secondary school.

Some of the children were kind enough to give their thoughts:

"I never knew what was in tobacco. After finding out, I will never smoke it. I enjoyed the morning and found out a lot of information."

"I loved the role play - we found it really fun, but we also found out a lot about drugs. I now know never to take drugs or smoke at all because it shortens your life."

"I like the part where someone stood in the middle and said something about themselves, and if it was true about you, you had to swap seats. We now know never to take drugs or to smoke."

Theatr Fforwm Cymru is an educational charity based in Swansea which was founded in 1993. It aims to provide safe, educative, energising and empowering environments where everyone can learn together.

The theatrical company use theatre based on real stories and issues to promote emotional literacy, active citizenship in individuals and communities. It also trains others in forum theatre techniques and work with community groups, professionals, legislators, schools, excluded children, and many others.

The president of the Rotary Club of Pembroke, Malcolm Lowless, said: "I wish to thank Valero for the great deal of support that they offer for events like this which are so important for the education of our children. I must also thank Theatre Fforwm Cymru who develop a superb rapport with the children that make these sessions so good at getting the message across."

Jane James, public affairs manager, Valero, said: "We are delighted to continue to support such valuable work with the children in our community."

If you would like to learn more about the work of Pembroke Rotary Club, please call the honorary secretary on 01437 563552.