Wiltshire's young people have much healthier lifestyles and higher rates of self esteem compared to the national average according to a recent survey.

Wiltshire Council and NHS Wiltshire commissioned the survey involving 2,330 pupils from 24 Wiltshire primary schools and eight secondary schools at the end of 2011.

The survey is the latest in a series taken over the past 10 years using the same methodology so results can be compared.

The survey carried out by independent body Schools Health Education Unit found:

* Wiltshire primary school children are much more likely to eat fresh fruit on most days and have breakfast, than children in a national sample;

* Wiltshire young people are much less likely to be bullied at or near school, than children in a national sample;

* The use of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis have fallen among young people in Wiltshire and are generally lower than the national comparison sample;

* The number of secondary school children who have never smoked has gone from under half to over three quarters;

* Young people in Wiltshire have higher rates of self esteem than a national sample.

Lionel Grundy, cabinet member for children's services said: "What young people tell us often seems at odds with the popular general perception of them.

"Sharing this survey data with both school staff and children will contribute to developing a more accurate perception of the behaviour of Wiltshire young people, reinforcing the many healthy norms that exist and challenging commonly held misperceptions.

"Of course we should continue to improve health outcomes, but let us also recognise that the vast majority of children in Wiltshire are healthy and make sensible choices."

Carolyn Godfrey, Corporate Director of Wiltshire Council, said: "This survey shows how the health of our children and young people is improving and the work of schools and partners is key to this.

"We will continue to support schools in their health-related work with young people as it is clearly having a positive impact."

Maggie Rae, Corporate Joint Director of Public Health and Public Protection said: "In Wiltshire young people report that they are increasingly making healthier choices.

"We have seen large reductions in the levels of smoking, drinking and drug use among our school children in recent years.

"Although these positive trends are not solely due to tackling lifestyle issues through the Healthy Schools Programme, recent improvements to the teaching of health education in Wiltshire are undoubtedly a factor."