Young people dropped in to a health day in Bradford city centre to get advice on matters such as stopping smoking and contraception.

The Information Shop for Young People, in Broadway, which is run by Bradford Council, brought in experts to give information on topics including chlamydia screening, diet and sexual health.

NHS staff were on hand as well as representatives from the dietician service and the young people’s drugs and alcohol service.

Councillor Michael Kelly, the Council’s executive member for services to children and young people, said developing good habits could help youngsters in the future.

He said: “It is important that young people are given the support they need to help them have a healthy lifestyle, and if they start the good habits now it will stand them in good stead for the future.”

Information Shop manager Zafar Kayani said: “We’re trying to give people healthy living skills and provide the information they need to make their own choices. We had experts on quitting smoking, sexual health and diet – even a chiropodist. So you could find advice on everything from head to toe.”

Several pots of lard illustrated the fat content in convenience meals. A full yogurt pot equated to a typical takeaway curry.

Susan Haley, community dietician for Bradford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re trying to educate people to cook healthy food at home. People are generally horrified by the amount of fat in these foods.”

Amir Hussain, 25, of Bradford, said: “I know my diet is pretty bad. I eat a lot of chips, and it’s scary to see just how much fat I’m eating. Having events like this really helps to make people more aware.”

Neela Chavan, of the Bradford and Airedale Primary Care Trust’s Stop Smoking Service, said it was important to make people aware that it is free.

he Information Shop for Young People provides advice for people aged up to 25 on services and issues which affect their lives. Staff can help on issues including employment, education, sport, travel, leisure, housing and money. It is open from 11am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday and from 10am until noon on Saturdays.