Peanut 'allergy cure'

EATING small amounts of peanuts may have "cured" a group of schoolchildren of a potentially fatal reaction to them, claim scientists.

Their tolerance was gradually built up by a revolutionary treatment that works on a similar principle as immunisation – giving them a little of what does them harm.

Now 19 out of the 22 seven to 17-year-olds who were allergic to peanuts can eat at least five a day, say researchers .

Dr Andrew Clark, of Cambridge University, said the children are now more relaxed about eating out.