STUDENTS have been endorsing a life-saving scheme as part of their work experience programme.

The 16 to 19-year-olds were working on the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership's Message in a Bottle scheme.

With the help of the nine students from the Dales School, at Morton-on-Swale, it is hoped many more people will soon be using the scheme.

The waterproof bottles contain contact numbers for next-of-kin, doctors, as well as drug information, long-term medical conditions and allergies, and as general facts, such as what time the children must be collected from school or nursery.

A label is placed on the fridge and on the house door to alert the emergency services to its presence.

The scheme can be accessed through Northallerton Lionesses on (01609) 771327; Easingwold Lions on (01347) 838266 or via the council on 0845 1211 555.