Researchers aiming to improve health and wellbeing in deprived Stevenage communities say they have put the voices of children and families at the centre of their work.

Organisations including Stevenage Borough Council and the University of Hertfordshire collaborated on research sessions at play centres in Bedwell and Bandley Hill, chatting to children about their lives while engaging in fun activities.

A spokesman said: "Families on low incomes experience poor health and social outcomes. Research activities often fail to hear the voices of children and families from deprived communities about their lived experience. This project aimed to bridge this gap."

The university's Dr Elspeth Mathie said: “Working directly with children, their families and staff at the play centres gave us a much better understanding of their needs and challenges compared to other research methods," which will help "influence policy in a more meaningful way".