THOUSANDS of children will learn about everything from fire and road safety, to cyber bullying at a multi-agency scheme aimed at teaching vital life skills.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service’s (CDDFRS) annual Children’s Safety Carousel begins at The Work Place in Newton Aycliffe today. Over the next five weeks, more than 3,000 year six primary schoolchildren will attend the carousel and take part in six 30-minute workshops.

The workshops will be hosted by firefighters and representatives from Durham Police, Northern Power Grid, the NHS, Durham County Council and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute.

Stuart Errington, chief fire officer, said: “The carousel has been running for more than 20 years, with CDDFRS hosting the event for the past ten years. The events provide an interactive way of teaching young people to become aware of their personal safety and give advice about how to react responsibly in dangerous situations.

“They also inform all of those who take part about wider safety matters to help create a safer community environment. We aim to do this in a fun and friendly atmosphere, which we hope makes the sessions memorable and enjoyable.”

Ron Hogg, County said: “The carousels are a shining example of what partners can achieve when working together.”