A FAKE brain and interactive games and activities helped introduce schoolchildren to the realities of living with a brain injury.

Pupils from King’s School St Alban’s took part in an introduction to brain injury assembly run by Headway Worcestershire ahead of the school's fundraising walk for the Barbourne-based charity.

Claire Wagstaff-Townend, development manager for Headway Worcestershire, captivated pupils aged between seven and 11 years old during the assembly with fake brains and interactive games and activities.

The aim of the assembly was to introduce the realities of brain injuries in a sensitive way.

Mrs Wagstaff-Townend was joined by Rob Young, a volunteer and former Headway Worcestershire service user.

He spent time explaining to the children about how he acquired his brain injury through a car accident and what his life was like before and afterwards.

Pupil William Threadgold, aged ten, said: "I was surprised how the fake brain felt and I have learnt that you must always wear your bicycle helmet."

Purdy Newson Tonks, also ten, said she could not believe how many people receive brain injuries.

"I also found it really difficult to do the challenges like open a sweet with gloves on, it made me realise how brain injuries can really affect people."

The pupils will spend Bank Holiday Monday (May 4) taking part in a sponsored five mile hike along the canal from Hawford to Diglis.

They will be joined by Rob Young and will all be wearing Headway Worcestershire t-shirts to raise money for the charity.

All the children will be entered into a prize draw to win a Hardnutz cycle helmet, which has been donated by Hardnutz.