HUNDREDS of youngsters will be learning about safety when they climb aboard a merry-go-round with a difference.

About 400 children from 34 primary schools in the Easington area will be attending the Safety Carousel - a series of workshops, each delivering a special safety message.

The project, which is now in its sixth year, has been organised by Durham Police in partnership with other agencies.

The workshops started yesterday, and will run for nine days with each trip around the workshops taking two.

The children, aged ten and 11, are presented with a series of scenarios designed to help them understand dangers they could meet in everyday life.

British Transport Police will be warning them about the dangers of playing near railway lines and school nurses will be talking about safety in the home and garden.

Other agencies taking part include HM Coastguard, Northern Electric and the Fire and Rescue Service. Feedback from previous carousels indicates the positive messages are being taken in by youngsters.