Children at a Workington primary school have been learning how to look after their mental health.

Victoria Junior School pupils have been shown how to cope in difficult situations by using mindfulness techniques.

Mindfulness is being aware of how you feel in the moment, and learning not to be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around you.

Youngsters at the school have been given a toolbox of techniques which they can apply to everyday situations.

Phoebe Sanson, 10, said she uses them before dancing and gymnastics competitions.

"When I'm about to do one of my competitions, I freeze but now I'm ready for it," she said.

Liam Atkinson, 10, said he also uses the techniques before football matches.

While Liam Smith, 10, said: "When I'm getting into rough push and shove, I do the breathing practices and then I feel really good."

At the end of each session, the most mindful children are awarded prizes - a mindful owl and a mindful medal.

The mindful owls have proved so popular, one has been made in the school colours as a mascot.

Aromatherapy diffusers giving off 'happy and uplifting' and 'calming' mists, have also been placed in different locations around the school.

Devaney Herriotts, of Herriotts' World, has delivered the six week programme. She works with schools all over the country to enhance children's well-being.

Helen Altinay, senior teaching assistant at the school, said she has noticed a positive change in the children.

"When there's conflict on the yard, instead of reacting, they take a step back and respond to the situation.

"In the current world we live in, it's important to develop as many strategies to cope as possible."

She added that the sessions are done in a "fun and upbeat way".

Marie Steele, designated safeguarding lead, said: "It's important to build up children's emotional resilience - you're always going to come across situations that you find difficult.

"The more challenging children have really engaged - it gives them an avenue of how to express themselves and deal with their emotions.

"They can't concentrate on school if they've got other things going on in their heads. You have to nurture that to get the academic side out."

She added that the mindfulness techniques have even helped her personally when dealing with complex cases.

"It gives me a few minutes to take a breath and ground myself," she said.

"I think more schools should take it on board and embed it into the school day."