Peanut allergy sufferers have been given new hope after a landmark study

Children with a severe allergy took part in a trial where they were given increasing amounts of peanut protein over a year.

Participants were given either peanut protein or a dummy powder, with doses increased over six months.

The results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found about two-thirds of children and teenagers could tolerate at least 600mg of peanut protein, compared with just four per cent those on the placebo.