Schoolchildren as young as nine are to be warned of the dangers of smoking by scientists dressed as “mad professor” characters wearing white coats and kipper ties.
Cancer Research Campaign scientists are to run a week of fun activities with teachers, starting on March 17, in one school in a series of cities.
The Gorgeous Campaign, named after a gorilla character who also appears during the week, is aimed at persuading children not to smoke before they try cigarettes. If successful, it could be expanded to more schools next year.