CHILDREN from 26 secondary schools will speak to prisoners next month at an event to encourage social responsibility.

Judge Fox, Recorder of Middlesbrough will attend the event organised by The Justice Support Project.

There will various workshops including role-play to show how behaviour affects other people, life-saving skills, drug and alcohol awareness, sexual health and talks with prisoners from Kirklevington Prison.

Drama group Crag Rats will be covering issues of raising self-esteem, bullying and communication skills.

A spokesman for the organisers said: "This is a unique opportunity for young people.

"They will be able to talk to prisoners frankly about prison life, hopefully dispelling many myths surrounding crime and the media glamorisation of criminality."

The event is at the Oakwood Centre, in Eaglescliffe, on February 3, from 9am to 3pm.