CHILDREN at a north Durham school have been learning about the dangers of using building sites as playgrounds.

Pupils at Tanfield Lea Community Primary School, near Stanley, were taught the hazards at a health and safety presentation.

It was organised by community regeneration specialist Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) and Derwentside Homes.

Gill Sweeney, lead resident liaison officer for FHM, said: “We have used the health and safety talk to highlight to children the risks associated with building sites in a fun and interactive way.

“FHM takes its responsibilities very seriously when it comes to health and safety issues and we always set out to protect children and prevent accidents from taking place on all our designated sites.”

Youngsters were encouraged to draw a poster about what they think are the potential hazards on a building site.

Paul Cooper, the partnering surveyor at Derwentside Homes, said: “The children really enjoyed the health and safety talks and we were able to educate them in a entertaining and enjoyable way.

“Both FHM and Derwentside Homes are committed to maintaining the highest level of health and safety standards across all our sites where improvement work is being carried out.

“This commitment extends to ensuring children understand just how dangerous construction sites can be.”