CHILDREN are being taught vital road safety lessons in a fun way thanks to a theatre programme.

S'Cool to be Safe is touring schools in Sunderland to make youngsters more aware of the dangers that traffic poses to them.

The 90-minute production is a participatory drama which highlights safety issues that face pupils on a school field trip.

This is the third year running that the programme, developed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and car maker Toyota, has visited the city.

Sunderland City Council road safety officer Amelia Forrester said: "S'cool to be Safe offers a fun way of getting very important road safety lessons across to children.

"The programme helps children to identify hazards and assess and minimise the risks when they are out and about."