A SCHEME to promote young people's safety is being launched on Teesside today.

Crucial Crew aims to bring together local agencies in highlighting the dangers youngsters face and how they should respond to them.

Organised by Cleveland Police, it involves role-play to teach potentially life-saving skills.

Around 1,400 ten and 11-year-olds from primary schools across Hartlepool will take part in this year's event, which is being held at the visitors centre at Hartlepool Power Station from today.

Among the lessons they will be taught are the dangers of climbing electricity pylons, the reality of life in prison and the dangers that lurk in the garden.